Ameerpet to America

Information Technology (IT) and IT enabled Service (ITES) centres that provide coaching to software aspirants in different programmes and languages in the field of software and hardware. Ameerpet is one of the busiest areas of the city with lot of commercial establishments.

This colony got the name Ameerpet from Ameer Ali Khan, a subedar, who was staying in the colony and worked at least in four Collectorates of Hyderabad, Nizamabad, Aurangabad and Karimnagar during the rule of the fourth Nizam Nawab, Nasir-UlDoula.

Recalling the growth of the colony, a senior resident V Jagadeesh said, “The Ameerpet colony was granted by the Andhra Pradesh Housing Board (APHB), which constructed as many as 50 houses in 1953-54. “Initially, people were scared to come and live here as the area was full of dense jungles,” Jagadeesh said.

The area, especially, HUDA Maitrivanam became a popular joint for undertaking training in various IT and ITES fields, after many software aspirants settled in America. “At least 10,000 students take training per month in various languages and programmes in IT and ITES. Also many training centers came up here due to the close proximity to Hi-tech city, located in Madhapur,” said K Siva Kumar, Technical Manager, Zoom Technologies.

Some of the religious bodies located here are the Pochamma Temple, now called the Durga Temple, Hanuman temple and Gurudwara Sahib. Many Sikh families living in the area visit the gurudwara regularly. “The Gurudwara Sahib is famous in the locality and every day we perform ardas,” Indrajit Singh, an organising member of the Gurudwara and former police official said.

He said that as many as 1000 Sikhs came to Hyderabad from Punjab on the request of Fourth Nizam Nawab, Nasir- Ul- Doula to provide him security. They were also called to herald peace among the Arabs and other communities who were protesting against payment of taxes and robberies. “We built the Gurudwara Sahib in 1943 with the assistance of Gopal Singh, who was the mentor of the Sikh community in Hyderabad,” Indrajit Singh said.

Today, Ameerpet is a commercial hub with many retail and small shops setting base. Chandana Brothers, R S Brothers, Chermas and Big Bazaar are some of the well-known names who have their shops here. For the movie viewing public there is the Adlabs film theater, besides, the existence of corporate offices of Dr. Reddy Laboratory and Aurobindo.

Master Builder

Despite a slump in real estate sector, IJM(India) Infrastructure is going great guns. Its latest venture, Malaysia Towers at Kukatpally is truly world-classThe real estate business in Andhra Pradesh is facing difficult times. Some of it is due to stiff competition by different players, partly due to inflation and partly to some policies implemented by the governments like hike in stamp duty and registration fee.

There is a need to strengthen the rules and regulations to pursue realty business and please the customers when they come buying their dream houses. The governments must look into these to strengthen the realty sector. They must set up an independent regulatory agency with the assistance of Ministry of Housing on the lines of Malaysia to monitor and keep vigil on the activities of real estate firms, said Manjit Singh, Vice -President of IJM (India) Infrastructure Limited (IJMII).

The IJMII is one of Malaysia's largest and most diversified construction groups, with world-wide presence and specialisation in the areas of construction, property development, manufacturing, quarrying, plantation and international ventures. Its current operations are spread over Malaysia, India, Australia, Argentina, Chile, China, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam.

In an exclusive interview with Deccan Post, Manjit Singh said that Hyderabad was the best destination for real estate business, as the city was growing and had a cosmopolitan outlook. "Many realty firms are concentrating on Hyderabad to invest in the field of real estate and many multi-national companies are setting up their business activities here as it has plenty of resources available than other cities in India," he said.

The IJMII's main thrust is in construction and upgrading of highways and property development including world class townships and commercial buildings using modern technology and equipment. The sky-rising residential of Malaysia Towers, located at Kukatpally Housing Board (KPHB) was constructed by the IJMII.

Explaining the Raintree Park famous as Malaysia Township, which was constructed by the IJMII, Manit Singh said that the Raintree Park was an International Class Integrated Township incorporating residential units with facilities, lush green landscapes, commercial and retail elements with distinct design features and character that sets it apart from other developments and a 'class' by itself.

The Raintree Integrated Township spread over sprawling 31-acre with an investment of at least Rs 360 crore is a joint venture of IJMII and Andhra Pradesh Housing Board (APHB) with the board equity of 49 per cent. The Malaysia Township has 2700 apartments and 500 low income group houses and it has accommodated at least 10,000 families. The IJMII previous ventures were TCS IT Park located at Gachibowli with an investment to the tune of Rs 38.25 crore, Mumbai-Pune Expressway, with an investment of Rs 136 crore, Tada-Nellore national highway number-5, Km 110 to Km 163.60 for Rs 226 crore.

Manjit Singh said that IJMII was presently working to complete construction on a few ongoing ventures such as First City Township, in Nagpur, a stylish and comfortable integrated township for citizens. The project comprises an elegant mosaic of 12 towering blocks, laying out around 2300 exquisitely designed apartments, and convenient shopping with several utilitarian and recreation facilities. "The First City is being made without any beams and bricks and it is being constructed on concreting walls," he added.

The IJMII's current venture, Raintree Park- Dwaraka Krishna Township, a joint venture between IJM (India) Infrastructure Ltd, and Lingamaneni Estates Private Limited, is located near Acharya Nagarjuna University campus near Vijayawada. Manjit Singh said that the Raintree Park- Dwaraka Krishna Township in Vijayawada is built on 120-acres with an investment of at least Rs 600 crore. The township will have 360 Villas and 3,300 apartments and 12,000 families will reside in the township. Double bed room houses measuring 1,300 sqft plinth and 1,700 sqft for 3 BHK houses are available, costing Rs. 2000 per sqft.

Another major project IJM (India) is working on is Civic Centre for Municipal Corporation of Delhi, a 27-storeyed building with an investment of Rs 545 crore. Work on this project is in the final stages.

Benign Borabanda

By Mouli MAreedu

Unperturbed by the radically changing surroundings, the rocky terrain of Borabanda remains the same with innumerable slums and unpretentious people around Ironical as it may sound, but it is true. Close to the high-profile settlements in the posh suburban areas of Kalyannagar and Mothinagar, lies the buzzing colony of people down-to-earth at Borabanda, one of the biggest colonies in Hyderabad.

Unaffected by the changing lifestyle and hip surroundings, Borabanda, a cluster of 70 bastis, remains to be a comfortable living area of people of lesser Gods. The rocky vicinity was named 'Borabanda' as a borewell in the rock-strewn existed there when stone crushing activities were going on a few decades ago. People started calling the area 'Borubanda' and subsequently, changed as 'Borabanda' as it is known today.

The value of land has been growing up in the area as several Information Technology (IT) firms have set up their units at nearby Madhapur, which is just three kilometres away from Borabanda. "The area has been development up to certain extend as many software employees chose to live in here, especially at Mothinagar and Kalyannagar which are near to Madhapur, where IT firms are located," said a flower merchant, Saidulu.

Satish Chandra, an IT professional, said he had chosen to live in the area because it was very convenient to reach his office and the rental was also affordable. The colony presents a curious look as several slums are dotted along high-rises even as some bastis have developed potentially and economically. "This is the second largest settlement of Muslim community. Muslim families at Borabanda are next to the old city in number," said Rehman, a rickshaw-puller.

Another landmark in the area is 'Peeli Dargha', which is famous as 'Venkat Khwaja Dargha' located on a hilltop. It is the part of chain of the famed Hazrat Khwaja Garib Nawaz (Ajmer).
"Many devotees of belonging to all religions - Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and others - visits this Dargha from several States including Maharastra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh," said Dargha manager, Khudratullah Chiptiyaar Khwajai Nayabhi Khalander Mirza.

Borabanda is a blend of literate and illiterate families. The literacy in high-class Kalyannagar and Mothinagar is approximately 90 per cent while Borabanda and adjoining Rehmathnagar have roughly 25 per cent literacy, said Father Mariadas, principal, Don Bosco Degree College.

The first school in the area is the Don Bosco Missionary School, which provides quality education. "In 1970s, the Don Bosco was the only school here and many students came from Ameerpet, S R Nagar and Erragadda area too," explained Father Mariadas.

Enchanting Erragadda

A whole range of consumer goods, from branded items to smuggled products to farm-fresh vegetables -- all for the cheapest rate. This is what Erragadda has to offerWith neem trees scattered around, letting cool breeze to caress the tired vegetable vendors and hurrying pedestrians, centuries old Erragadda is abuzz with activities. Businessmen of Erragadda, including small merchants and vendors, are planning to organise a week- long celebrations as its famed Sunday Market is going to complete 100-years. The popular Sunday Market is a place where hundreds throng to buy accessories, tools and domestic vessels at the cheapest price in the market. The Sunday Market is also famous for smuggled goods - branded items like watches, TV sets, Refrigerators, cameras, VCDs, shoes and modern key chains. Initially known as Bhoolkhanguda village, this locality got the name Erragadda because during ancient days, people living in the area used to build their houses with Red Soil available in plenty. Erra means Red and Gadda means Soil.A local merchant, Aryakatika Balaraju, who is running an accessories business in the area said, "My forefathers told me when we were kids that Nizams used to visit the Sunday Market and buy different kind of birds for their daily dish," said Balaraju.Several mentally ill patients get treated at the Government Mental Hospital located in the area. "The mental hospital was set up during Nizam's era and has been treating people with mental disorder ever since. Even Nizam's sister used to visit the place to get relief as the area was full of Neem trees," said Yadgiri, an employee in mental hospital.Residents belong to different backgrounds and a mix of religions is present here. The Hanuman Temple at Czech Colony is a famous place of worship for Hindus. Christianity was brought to this area by the Silesian missionaries, who introduced early education to this area. St. Theresa's Church is very popular Christian shrine here. Another land mark is 'Angrezi buildings', which was built by Nizam Abdul Doula to provide accommodation to the first British Governor to India, Lord Rippon. The Erragadda Model Rytu Bazaar is the largest in the state and witnesses heavy rush by customers every day. "The Erragadda Rytu Bazaar is famous and thousands of customers visit the spot during weekend. People from Ameerpet, Yusufguda, Jubilee Hills, Begumpet, Sanathnagar, and Kukatpally visit the place every day," said K R Vijay Kumar, Estate Officer of the Rytu Bazaar.

Enchanting Erragadda

A whole range of consumer goods, from branded items to smuggled products to farm-fresh vegetables -- all for the cheapest rate. This is what Erragadda has to offerWith neem trees scattered around, letting cool breeze to caress the tired vegetable vendors and hurrying pedestrians, centuries old Erragadda is abuzz with activities.

Businessmen of Erragadda, including small merchants and vendors, are planning to organise a week- long celebrations as its famed Sunday Market is going to complete 100-years. The popular Sunday Market is a place where hundreds throng to buy accessories, tools and domestic vessels at the cheapest price in the market. The Sunday Market is also famous for smuggled goods - branded items like watches, TV sets, Refrigerators, cameras, VCDs, shoes and modern key chains.

Initially known as Bhoolkhanguda village, this locality got the name Erragadda because during ancient days, people living in the area used to build their houses with Red Soil available in plenty. Erra means Red and Gadda means Soil.

A local merchant, Aryakatika Balaraju, who is running an accessories business in the area said, "My forefathers told me when we were kids that Nizams used to visit the Sunday Market and buy different kind of birds for their daily dish," said Balaraju.Several mentally ill patients get treated at the Government Mental Hospital located in the area.

"The mental hospital was set up during Nizam's era and has been treating people with mental disorder ever since. Even Nizam's sister used to visit the place to get relief as the area was full of Neem trees," said Yadgiri, an employee in mental hospital.Residents belong to different backgrounds and a mix of religions is present here.

The Hanuman Temple at Czech Colony is a famous place of worship for Hindus. Christianity was brought to this area by the Silesian missionaries, who introduced early education to this area. St. Theresa's Church is very popular Christian shrine here. Another land mark is 'Angrezi buildings', which was built by Nizam Abdul Doula to provide accommodation to the first British Governor to India, Lord Rippon. The Erragadda Model Rytu Bazaar is the largest in the state and witnesses heavy rush by customers every day.

"The Erragadda Rytu Bazaar is famous and thousands of customers visit the spot during weekend. People from Ameerpet, Yousufguda, Jubilee Hills, Begumpet, Sanathnagar, and Kukatpally visit the place every day," said K R Vijay Kumar, Estate Officer of the Rytu Bazaar.

Early election fever grips parties in AP

Political parties in Andhra Pradesh appear to have caught in the grip of election fever. With the speculation of early polls to the Lok Sabha gaining momentum by the day major parties are busy gearing themselves up for the battle royale.

Leadership of each party is deeply involved in the exercise of preparing election manifestoes with a long list of promises to win the hearts of the voters. Particularly the ruling Congress and the main Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) have already drawn their road map for the elections.

A day after the TDP has announced its plans to supply nine-hour free power to farm sector in the State and other welfare measures if elected to power in the next Assembly poll, the Congress came out with plans to revive the Rs 2-a-kg rice scheme.

The Telugu Desam on Thursday announced that it would supply nine-hour free power to farm sector if elected to power in the next polls. Besides, the party also promised distribution of surplus land to the poor.

On Friday, none other the Chief Minster, Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, asked the senior officials of the Finance Department to study the monetary burden on the exchequer if the most popular Rs 2-a-kg rice scheme is implemented in the State.

The scheme which played a major role in the landslide victory of Late N T Rama Rao that brought him to power in 1985, just 18 months of floating the Telugu Desam Party, was implemented in letter and spirit as the Late leader had promised to voters. The rice scheme later turned out to be his pet programme.

However, this was neutralised by his successor, Mr Nara Chandrababu Naidu, when he took up the reins from NTR in 1995. Mr Naidu increased the price from Rs 2 to Rs 3.50, which later was hiked to Rs 5.25 in his later term that ended in 2004.

Dr Reddy, who is aware of the impact the rice scheme had created during the late NTR tenure, is now keen on reviving it, which is now being implemented only for namesake. He has thus asked the Finance Department officials to weigh the pros and cons and also the burden involved in its effective implementation.

Those holding white ration card and also families that fall under the Anthyodaya scheme are entitled for the benefit of the Rs. 2-a-kg rice scheme. As per a rough estimate, over 1.3 crore families have white ration cards while about 50,000 families are covered under the Anthyodaya scheme.

The Government is already incurring an expenditure of Rs. 903 crore for supplying subsidised rice to these families at Rs. 5 a kg, if the Rs 2 a kg scheme is revived, the burden on the exchequer would increase mani-fold, to about Rs. 1913 crore. “Despite the heavy financial implications, the Chief Minister is keen on reviving it,” a senior official in the administration told Media India on Friday.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), which is spearheading the separate statehood demand, on Friday promised 12-hour free power supply to farmers if separate state is carved out for the region. Party president and former Union Labour minister, Mr K Chandrasekhara Rao, on Friday announced the party’s plan not only to supply 12-hour free power but also other people-friendly measures if separate Telangana is formed.

The Left parties, however, are till now banking on the ongoing “Bhoo Poratam” to strengthen their cadre base. The BJP, except dismissing the possibilities of the popular measures announced by other parties, has not formulated it poll strategies yet.

Runaway kid wins academic accolades, gets married

Born in somewhere and brought up in the runaway kids’ home, K Santosh, is fortunate to have found a better half and tie the nuptial knot in the midst of his friends in Vijayawada.

The Navajeevan Bala Bhavan, a rehabilitation home for the run away children, was electrified on Thursday as one of their inmates married and the wedding was blessed by everyone, including some dignitaries from the city.

Santosh was found in the city railway station 12 years ago. He was brought to the Navajeevan Bala Bhavan and the volunteers helped him to recollect his childhood but in vain. The attempts by the volunteers to establish the identity of his parents and restore him to the family failed.

Finally he stayed back in the home and started going to school. He successfully completed his school and the college education with the support he had received from the rehabilitation home. He then, did his post graduation in social work (M S W) and passed with distinction from the Acharya Nagarjuna University. A recipient of gold medal, Santosh decided to continue the good work being done by the Navajeevan and found a place in the national children network – Young At Risk – in New Delhi.

He moved on to the national capital with pride and began to work coordinating the missing children network across the country. It was here he found Sunitha, an MBA student from Warangal.

Impressed by the hardships that Santosh had undergone to reach to the present position, Sunitha proposed to be his life partner and they both agreed. Interestingly, Sunitha’s parents too have accepted the proposal and performed the marriage in the presence of other run away children at the Navajeevan.

“I am extremely happy to see a child from this place getting married and having his own family. We have several such children, who left their parents for some reason or the other and are today developed into full citizen,” proudly admitted the Navajeevan director, Fr Thomas Koshy, while blessing the new couple at their marriage.

The inmates of the Navajeevan have arranged lunch for the new couple greeting them with claps, whistles and film songs – the language that they knew from the days of their platform life.