As much as one may want to refute it, the truth remains that caste plays a key role in our society. The focus today is on the Kamma community. They are known for their big heart and have always proved themselves in dynamic fields like cinema, politics, real estate, industries etc. The reason for their huge success in any field is their will to accommodate all communities and work with them. They follow the simple fundamental that no businessman will grow without working with different teams and individuals from different cultures. The other reason for their success is their adaptability to new environment, venture capitalism, competitive nature, rich presentation of their ideas and a charming appearance.
Incidentally, the society has been bifurcated on qualities with caste- Brahmins known for their intellect, Vysyas for their business sense, Reddys for their courage etc. But it is said that all qualities are seen in sufficient quantity in the Kamma community and that’s why they tend to be an edge ahead of others.
However, there seems to be a separate sect of Kammas altogether and those are the ‘Eenadu Kammas’. Though the brand name is strong, here is the inside truth.
Those who have interacted with the group say that they are a separate group altogether and hate to see other communities in their midst. Even if someone is joining the Eenadu team, they are not encouraged and first preference is always for their own community. They seem to believe strongly that only they should grow and others must not. If anybody in Eenadu group, who belongs to any community other than Kamma gets better recognition, the person will be ousted mercilessly. This feeling is said to be inherent including their head Ramoji himself, say many in Eenadu group.
It is also said that Ramoji Rao cannot digest if any employee in Eenadu get better recognition as competitors would lift him. This narrow minded vintage outlook of Ramoji Rao kept ETV with poor TRP as no one is so enthusiastic to give out the best since individual recognition is lacking. Salaries are also not on par with other channels, say many.
It must be recalled that at the beginning, Eenadu was filled with people from all castes and the result was the prosperity and huge success of the group. Today, it is completely filled with Kammas and that too with an inferior quality (just due to chauvinistic caste feeling). The classic example for that happens to be the ETV channel which has fallen low on TRPs and some say that it is much lesser than Doordarshan as well. The buzz is that the main reason for this is the severe caste feeling.
Now, even if anyone is applying for a job, their well wishers are asking “are you a Kamma?”, if no, then they are discouraging since they know what fate has in store for them at Eenadu. And the same advice is going for those better minded Kammas planning to apply. They are being advised “if you are a Kamma also don’t go then they will influence you and create a severe caste feeling inside you as well.”
The objective of this article is not to criticize but to correct Eenadu’s image as the hard facts are given here. As a role model, they have a moral responsibility towards society. Even the broad minded Kammas must also advice Ramoji on refraining from such practices and earn the goodwill of the Telugu people.
This article should serve as eye opener for ‘Eenadu’ head and make ways to correct this image.
- Contributed by Shivaji, Freelance Journalist
(Shivaji can be contacted at [email protected])
The views expressed in the article are the author's and not of greatandhra.com.
