Paradigm shift in Dhoolpet

Dhoolpet: Just the name would send shivers down the spine of people. Dhoolpet which conjures up images of ganga, illicit liquor, violence, alcoholism and drugs is now changing for the better as the younger lot are preferring education and jobs in corporate sector. Until recently, it would not be far-fetched to say there was not much future for children and youth residing here as Dhoolpet was blacklisted by many firms, banks, government agencies.

The negative vibe of the area was a hindrance for many educated and talented youth in getting secured jobs and bank loans. But with sheer dedication and proper guidance from the elders, who longed for better career for their children, the young generation has made a paradigm shift in the area and many youth have shined and are living a life with better prospects.

Background no bar to land Wipro job

B Sunny Singh, who lost his father when he was just 11, and whose family was into bootlegging gudamba, is now an IT professional, working as a Quality Analyst in Wipro. Sunny proudly says, "I am still living in Dhoolpet and I love to; it taught me a lot in my life."

Describing the ups and downs of his life, Sunny said, "My joint family was into liquor business, but my father always told me not to get into it. Till I completed my intermediate, my uncle took care of me, and helped my family. After some time, I realized how important it is to earn.

Then, I used to drive an auto on a part time basis to pay my college fees and was helpful in providing some financial aid in my younger sister's wedding. Later, through scholarships I completed my MBA from City College. Though it is struggle for life, it is beautiful to strive for my family and fulfil my father's dream to see me in a higher position. "

From Ganja selling to job in TechM

Gyandeep from Dhoolpet is currently working for Tech Mahindra as a Project Assistant. Gyandeep, the only son of Deepak and Sudha Lakshmi, said, "In my childhood, a few of my classmates were afraid just to talk to me as I came from Dhoolpet. I used to ride bicycle 6-7 km to reach my school as we didn't have a proper school in our locality.

"I was also once involved into the Ganja selling with locals and I was caught by my father. After that incident, my friends and I decided to get education." Deepak, studied in the Hindi medium school of Dhoolpet and is serving as general secretary of Rajput Karne Sena, Telangana. Thakur Deepak Singh, son of Thakur Narayan Singh, was born and brought up in Dhoolpet and graduated from Lal Bahadur College. Deepak Singh says, "Dhoolpet has changed a lot, we rarely see people fighting on streets as was the case before." Getting a proper education from Dhoolpet is not easy, Sandesh Kumar Harda, criminal lawyer, Nampally Court. Everyone in my family is educated and residing in Dhoolpet since 28 years. The government needs to chip in, he says.

Speaking about the issues of Dhoolpet, Vicky Singh, a local, said, "Our request to the government to allocate an area for exhibiting the idols has been put on hold. The government needs to take measures to improve the image of Dhoolpet."