VIZAG matters - Sohan Hatangadi's Blog

This article appeared 11 Aug 2013 in the Times of India. I forgot to put it on my blog. As they say "better late than never" so here it is. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Capital-punishment-for-Vizag/articleshow/21754914.cms Capital Punishmaent August 2013 I would rather be willing for a dentist to be drilling Ever since the Andhra Pradesh separation story broke upon us, every gathering seems to focus on this subject. Last week I sat in a dentist’s chair, getting my new crown fixed - the type that goes on teeth not on the head - and I could hear the topic come up again. Unfortunately as the pros and cons of the contentious issue swirled around me, I was restrained from giving my opinion as my mouth was full of dental instruments. I did of course emit a few grunts of assent or dissent as the procedure progressed to let the others know that I had an opinion too and to signal to the dentist that I was still alive. Last night we met at a frie...

This article appeared in The Times of India today. The original (and unedited) word document is also pasted below because its easier to read. Building a great Vizag Sohan Hatangadi Now that all the hullabaloo surrounding the separation and the elections are behind us let us get down to some really important business. First we must face the reality; Vizag will not be the capital of the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh. I hate that “residuary” word, sounds like something the doctor prescribes for poor bowel movement. Many Vizagites will be sorely disappointed. And some wanting to avoid capital punishment will be secretly relieved. No need to be capital to be a great city You do not have to be the administrative capital of the state or country to be recognized as a great city. Delhi may be capital but Mumbai has got more moolah muscle. Washington DC may be the capital of the USA but San Francisco and New York win the popularity contest hands down. Canberra is the ca...