Srinagar colony, a class apart

By Mouli Mareedu

Srinagar Colony is one of the posh colonies in Hyderabad as many Information Technology (IT) professionals and junior film artistes prefer to stay here, with its close proximity to Madhapur, where most IT firms are located. “The Srinagar Colony is a foot-step area to Banjara Hills. In the early 60s, it was full of trees and hummock and nobody dared to come and stay here. Now, the place has become one of the classy areas in the city,” Narsamma, a flower vendor said. People living in the area started calling the place Srinagar Colony in the name of Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, a 100-year historical temple, located on the hilltop of this place. “Established in 1963, the Srinagar Colony got its name after Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple located here,” D Bikshapathi Goud, Trust Chairman of Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple said. “I prefer to stay in Srinagar Colony even though the rents are high as it is closer to my office, which is located at Madhapur. The colony ranks after Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills and many IT professionals choose to live in this area,” Chandra Chaterjee, an IT professional said. A Ashok Goud, an Assistant Commissioner and Executive Officer of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple said that the temple had a 100-year history and it is one of the major shrines in the city. “The temple is also famous as many film artists, VIPs and VVIPs regularly visit to pray here. At least, half-of-the shots have been taken in this temple for the film Sagara Sangamam starring Kamal Hasan and Jayaprada,” Goud added.Another landmark in the colony is the Satya Sai Nigamagam, which is a devotional spot and many devotees of Sri Satya Sai come here and offer prayers daily. The colony has been developed as a commercial hub as many Information Technology (IT), realty, hospitals and educational institutions are setting up their activities here. The place is eminent for marble business too. “Customers from various places in the State come and purchase marbles as different kinds of marbles and model bricks are available here. Imported marbles from Italy, Germany and other countries are also available here,” Manish, proprietor of Quality Marbles said.