Well-paid advocates of the 'status quo'—which for all practical purpose means the present state of serfdom to North Indian Imperialism—assume an air of unassailability, and assert, that the South is not at all being neglected. Finding themselves face to face with the D.M.K., these advocates accept that the South is not being as intensely and as rapidly industrialised as the North, but point out that it is not because there is any 'neglect' but because of the fact that there is a lack of essential raw materials especially coal. Instantly they become primary school teachers, and begin a series of explanations, about the most elementary problems, the necessity for obtaining coal for industrialisation, the potentialities of power and the like. And they think that they have had the last word on the subject.

They are not stating the whole truth, when they say that there is a dearth of raw materials here; nor are they correct when they point out the absence of coal in the South. They forget and fondly hope that others too would ignore the cardinal point, that the 'potentialities' of a country, is the factor to be taken into consideration, not the actualities alone. That a country having had a glorious past, should naturally be a repository of rich materials, is a point which even teen-agers would like a point out.

That apart, there is another factor, and we are glad, an industrialist with rich experience, has come forward to present that factor.

Dealing with the scope for industrial development of Madras, Mr. Murugappa Chettiar referred to complaints that the South and the Madras State in particular had been neglected in the matter of industrialisation and said it had been argued that the absence of raw materials and non-availability of coal within easy reach were reasons for this. He would say this should not stand in the way.

The Ministers of our State, especially their mouth-piece, would mockingly ask, what do you expect us to do, when there are no raw materials? Are we dreamers, or scenario writers? Do you expect us to build castles in the air, or construct card-board citadels, the same as you find on the screen?

Mr. Murugappa Chettiar is no dreamer, not one interested in scenario writing. He hails from the hard boiled business community and has had first-hand knowledge about the intricate problems connected with industrialisation. We are sure that the Ministers dare not cast aspersions on him at any rate. And it is this industrialist who says this with a definiteness that should whip up even those who are gifted with an asinine patience. Says Mr. Chettiar, that this should not stand in our way. And he supplements this categorical statement with arguments which none in his senses could brush aside.

"They had the example of Japan which imported most of their raw materials, and yet enjoyed a very coveted position among the most industrialised nations. Such industries as had been established in their state had gone to prove that some of those bogies that are raised were net a serious obstacle to the establishment and growth of industries."

This is what Mr. Murugappa places before the Doubting Thomases.

If Japan, poor in raw materials, could build up such a roaring industry, why not the South?

But, one fact should not be forgotten. In Japan there is a Ministry which is not being dwarfed by the domineering powers of the Centre.

It is not because of the non-availability of raw materials, that the South is still chained to a pastoral economy, but chiefly because, those who are at the helm of affairs here, are treated by the Topmen at Delhi, as richly attired chaprasis! Power is concentrated at the Centre; policies are being formulated from there; Delhi has got the purse strings in its powerful hands. Here there are Ministers, Chief and chips, who dare not question the authority vested in the Centre. One can well understand the pitiable predicament in which the State ministry is placed. It has to face the hungry millions, whose questioning eyes emit sparks of scorn!

They have to bear the brunt of attack. Safely entrenched, those at the Centre, are saved from the fury of the masses, for, they have this explanation to offer; 'the States have got the direct responsibility of looking after the welfare of the people—we are concerned with broad questions of policy and external affairs.'

The States are being treated as the galley-slaves! Some, at any rate, of the State ministers, are against this attitude—but what could they do—the Constitution has made of them, just chattels. So there is a burning rage in them—an impotent rage. And to screen this, they trot out a platitude—the South is not being neglected—there is not rapid industrialisation only because there is a dearth of raw materials.

The Ministers of our State are attempting, though unsuccessfully, to hoodwink the public, by placing an argument, which can emanate only from an unpatriotic mind. The public is not gullible today, and even if there is a remote possibility of misdirecting the public, men endowed with expert knowledge in the field of industrialisation, as Mr. Murugappa, are there to disprove these ministerial pronouncements.

Mr. A.M.M. Murugappa Chettiar, is not a 'separatist'. We know he would shudder at the very mention of the ideal, Dravida Nadu. But even he has to stress the need to build up Madras State into a highly industrialised one if they were to be counted as a force in All India affairs.

To be counted as a force in All India affairs! Brave words these.

But how could the State become a force to be counted in All India affairs, when there is but a farce of authority vested in the State? How could the State attain an honoured place, when there are any number of men ready to pounce upon the crumbs thrown?

Ashamed naturally of the degradation, those who are taking part in this 'farce' have no other way than to attempt to place an untenable argument. They say, that there is a dearth of raw materials.

But, Mr. Murugappa smashes this rhapsody and argues congently to prove that, that could not stand in our way! And he illustrates his point, by citing Japan. What answer do we hear from the State Ministers—especially from him who has taken upon himself the role of being the Drummer boy of Delhi Imperialism?

(Sub-Editorial - 20-04-1958)