A bureaucrat-turned-politician, RS Praveen Kumar, Bahujan Samaj Party’s CM face in Telangana, is the moving spirit behind the phenomenal rise of residential schools as institutions where an increasing number of students excel, be it in academics or extra-curricular activities, and where some go on to set world records and achieve international acclaim. He could bring this change to residential schools with his attention to detail and dedication to the onerous task of spotting talent. In a conversation with The Pioneer’s Deepika Pasham, Praveen shares the reasons for his determined shift to politics and how bitter memories of untouchability helped shape his personality.
No more office hours
While I was in service, it was all about work culture. We would investigate a case and ultimately come back home. But here I am working with the goal of uplifting the poor. There have been days on which I didn’t go back home. But I am prepared for it.
Parents destined for education
During those years, my mother used to go to the field for work. One day two government teachers, who had come to our village,recognized that my mother could be educated. Then our grandparents encouraged her. And she retired as headmistress!
In a similar manner, my father, who had dropped out, volunteered to help one teacher. But his knowledge was recognised. He also retired as a mathematics teacher.
Mother’s advice
The credit for my education goes to my mother. After a few years of education, she discussed my future with me, saying: ‘You must get out of this village and join schools in the city. If you are here, then I know you will be influenced by various bad habits such as cigarettes and drinking’.
No house during Intermediate
I studied in Kurnool and in those days it was difficult to find a house. While doing Intermediate, I used to sleep in a government office in which my relative had been working as a record assistant. For one year, in the mornings we used to study in public parks and then approached the Agriculture Department Director for permission to sleep in his chambers. Later, in the second year, we would have one small house. I came to Hyderabad in 1984 and never returned.
Stung by untouchability in 9th grade
I once touched my lecturer when he came wearing a new shirt. He immediately abused me physically. Later, I gathered that he belongs to the ‘upper caste’ and that we, ‘untouchable’ individuals belonging to certain castes, cannot touch such people. My father also had experienced it. When he was invited to one of the functions, everybody was served food items on a plate. But my father got them in a leaf. He fought for it.
A tough case
I was the Superintendent of Police of Anantapur when Paritala Ravindra was killed on January 24th in 2005. Many allegations were made against me then, but even now I shrug them off saying: As a police officer, I did my best. I knew about the conspiracy happening in jail against his death and I submitted in writing to the ruling political party that there is a complaint by Paritala Ravi himself.
Never dreamt on IPS
As a child and in my growing years I never sat down to think what I should become in the future. It was always about studying hard to score good marks. My senior Veerabhadra Reddy revealed certain facts to help me realize how intelligent I was, and later Prof MN Reddy took special interest in introducing me to his colleagues to prepare me for civils. I qualified in the third attempt (IPS) and worked for the AP cadre.
Politics a wish
In all my service as a police officer or as secretary of welfare organisations, I have been moved umpteen times by the plight of lakhs of students and the ruling government’s tokenism in releasing funds. As part of my job while I was traveling, I observed that farmers were being deprived of their lands. The projects involving crores of rupees such as the Police Command Control Room, new Secretariat complex are never in public demand. So, I felt this is the right time to leave bureaucracy and enter politics.
Change after voluntary retirement
I have become busier than ever. I have no time to sleep. I have become rounded and grounded. As a bureaucrat, there is only one side of the story presented to you as you have an aura of dominance, while there is no freedom to express. In politics, there is no such table. Massive learning is free of cost.
1,650 villages visited in yatra
It is my 220th day of yatra day from the time we launched our campaign. We have so far visited 1,650 villages and traveled 28,000 kilometers. There is deprivation of opportunities of various segments of people. There is a need to bring their woes to the notice of the authorities and highlight the injustice done to people who voice their concerns.
CM face in TS
Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati has announced my name as Chief Minister face in Telangana. It was a surprise — the best blessing I ever received in my life. It comes with a lot of responsibilities.
Our agenda
The broader agenda is to make poor people real rulers; they must be part of policymakers and the executive committee. We will distribute immovable assets such as houses or 1 acre of land to eligible families. We will create job opportunities to 10 lakh in the coming days. The contracts will be handed over to trained youth according to their accomplishments. We will restrict alcohol consumption. We will provide international standard English medium education and healthcare at the doorstep of people.
War crimes investigator
I worked with people of different nationalities during my stint as an officer in Kosovo between 2005 and 2006. I was investigating three war cases perpetrated on Albanians by Serbians. This experience changed the way I look at things because we learnt various nations’ crime strategies.
Running is my pleasure
Amid work, I might be under stress, but I don’t miss my run for the day. My shoes are a mandatory traveling partner. It has been 38 years now; I never give up on my exercise. It has been decades since I participated in a marathon. I remember the last time I did that when we visited Kosovo for work. It was very hot. Still, I, along with a colleague, ran 50 km in five hours.
Wife supporter
The political entry was not an overnight decision, though my strongest supporter has been my wife. She respected all my decisions in life. She is also in the Agriculture Department of the government. She is always behind me, motivating. Credit goes also to my children, though they are studying. They too gave a nod to me to enter politics. I want to serve the nation.
Will never support BJP
There were three or four political parties in my mind before I zeroed in on BSP. One of them was of course ruling BRS; the other one was Congress. But never was BJP an option because they support ‘one nation one religion’, and they are destroying the diversity of the nation. As a person, I believe in social justice, equality, fraternity, fundamental values and therefore chose BSP.
Harvard a lesson
The only private or international institute in which I pursued my education was Harvard University. The teachings of western universities give freedom for people to explore. The difference is they expose their students to great personalities, and we miss on this.
Quality time
I live with a purpose and any pain that comes is part of life. The only regret is not being there with my children when I was in police service because I was then on duty 24/7. And today, as a politician, I have no idea when I will visit home. The only time I could give is to prepare my daughter for her master’s entrance as my son is in Delhi engaged in research work.
Tough taskmaster
During my service as Secretary for Residential Schools Hostels, I always maintained a staffer on the ground. They would at the end of the day visit me and explain how students are being treated. If any case is reported then the school teachers take consequences. So, this fear helped in seamless functioning without cases of food poisoning.
Rapid fire
Favourite hobby: I read economics books; currently it is Viktor Frankl
Religious or spiritual: Spiritual
How do you describe yourself: Impatient for results
Favourite colour: Blue
Favorite food: Dal and jowar roti
Favourite destination: It is home
