ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the dynamics of neo-liberal reforms vis-a-vis India's regional growth. It explores the co-relationship between regions and identities, and attempts by the state to accommodate cultural identities. The chapter explains a balance between the theory and practice of globalisation by studying the Telangana and Uttarakhand movements in some detail in order to highlight the shifts and turns since the 1990s. The movements around Telangana and the Uttarakhandi pahari identity existed well before contemporary globalisation made inroads into India, and thus provide a good opportunity to study the changes these movements underwent as they were confronted with the new challenges of globalisation. Demands for separate Statehood may appear to be upsetting the political equilibrium of the country, but they also serve as a platform for different groups to express their genuine concerns of neglect and marginalisation by the political authorities.
