After his speech at the Harvard Kennedy School in the US, Telugu film actor and Jana Sena party founder
Pawan Kalyan took questions from the audience. Here’s a selection of questions and his replies.
How can we put a stop to farmer suicides in Andhra Pradesh? How can we contribute? What is Jana Sena is doing about it?
Farmers are committing suicides due to a lack of hope. We are trying to build a support system for them with the assistance of self-help groups.
Are extreme ideological differences hampering growth in India?
There will always be different ideologies in a vast country like India. We have to understand the core problem. I believe that the various ideologies have to coexist. We need one ideology to act as a check against another. We do have to agree with each other always but when it comes to the people's welfare, the ideologies have to work in tandem.
Why are you fighting for special category status for Andhra Pradesh?
When the central government promises something, it had better stand for it. Or at least they must say they cannot deliver for this or that specific reason. When you promise something, you are accountable for it. Or tell us why you are going back.
You talk about opportunities for all, but we see no platform to reach you and participate in the people's welfare or political activities.
I walk what I talk. First, I need people to believe in me. I openly express my thoughts to win people’s confidence. I will reach out to all once I create a platform to expand my activities. I am creating an NRI wing to share your ideas and make you part of the Jana Sena activities.
What is your agenda? What do you believe in? How do you want to sensitise youth towards better development?
Whatever ideals you believe in, you have to take them forward. Face the challenges and be consistent. Sometimes it is a simple action, however small it might be, that is enough to move in the right direction.
What is your specific policy on healthcare and education?
I am involving a lot of stakeholders to understand and draft these policies. It cannot happen overnight as we need to study various issues before drafting our policies to benefit many.
Would you work with like-minded parties like the Aam Admi Party or Jayaprakash Narayan? Have you made any efforts to reach out to them?
I don't mind doing so, actually. I personally feel that like-minded people should come together. But I’m not going to persuade anybody.
How do you plan to make youth get involved in your party activities?
Students are a creative force. I do not want them to stop their studies or careers but I do want to become stakeholders in building a better society. I want them to join me only when they believe in my party’s ideology. I’d like to set an example for them.