Editorial

November 1, 1956, marks a quiet revolution in India’s democratic evolution — the day when the States Reorganisation Act came into force and the nation was redrawn, not by the sword or conquest, but by the pen of consensus and cultural recognition. It was a defining moment that transformed the political landscape and strengthened the emotional fabric of the country.

The creation of states on linguistic lines was not merely an administrative exercise; it was an act of deep empathy and foresight. By recognizing the emotional and cultural power of language, India reaffirmed the principle that unity does not mean uniformity. Instead, it acknowledged that regional pride and national loyalty can coexist — indeed, they can enrich each other.

Critics had feared that linguistic states might breed parochialism or weaken the Union. History proved otherwise. From Kerala’s Piravi to Karnataka’s Rajyotsava, the celebrations of November 1 are living testaments to how diversity can thrive within a shared national identity. The states that emerged from the 1956 reorganization have since become engines of growth and laboratories of cultural expression.

Today, as newer states are carved and demands continue to rise, the lessons of November 1 remain vital. Federalism must evolve, but it must do so with balance — blending administrative efficiency with cultural sensitivity. The spirit of the 1956 Act reminds us that India’s unity has always been dynamic, not rigid; inclusive, not imposing.

November 1, therefore, is not just a date of reorganization — it is a celebration of India’s democratic maturity, its faith in dialogue, and its enduring ability to turn diversity into strength.

On October 2025, India quietly scripted history—achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20) nationwide, five years ahead of schedule. From a 1970s crisis response to a 21st-century economic triumph, this journey exemplifies strategic foresight rooted in India’s agrarian strength. The seeds were sown during the 1973 oil shock, when soaring crude prices and sugarcane surplus converged. The National Alcohol Programme (1975) turned molasses into fuel; by 1978, experimental E5 blends rolled out in select cities. The 2003 mandate and 2006 Biofuels Policy set 5–10% targets, but progress crawled—averaging 2% till 2013, hobbled by supply swings, pricing disputes, and infrastructure gaps.

The post-2014 surge changed everything. Blending leapt from 1.5% to 20% in a decade, driven by the 2018 Biofuels Policy’s multi-feedstock pivot—sugarcane, damaged grains, maize—and remunerative pricing (₹71.32/litre by 2025). Grain-based ethanol, 2G plants using rice straw, and interest subsidies under JI-VAN Yojana tripled capacity to 1,200 crore litres annually.

The dividends are staggering: ₹1.4 lakh crore saved in oil imports, ₹1.2 lakh crore paid directly to farmers, 700 lakh tonnes of CO₂ avoided, and over 10 lakh rural jobs created. Delhi’s winter smog dropped 30% in 2024–25. Ethanol now powers 12% of India’s transport fuel, with exports and aviation biofuel trials underway.

Yet challenges loom—water-intensive sugarcane, food-fuel trade-offs, and E20’s mileage dip in older vehicles. The government counters with bamboo-based ethanol, E20-mandated parts, and consumer choice at pumps from 2026.

Ethanol isn’t a silver bullet; it’s a bridge. As India eyes E25 by 2030, this program proves that sustainability thrives when policy aligns with agricultural abundance. From distress molasses to decarbonized mobility, ethanol has transformed a vulnerability into a virtue—fueling self-reliance, one litre at a time.

• SAS Kirmani