Bengalis are not new to Hyderabad; the City of Pearls is home to the community members from the time of the Nizams.

Many have served them in high capacities such as geologists, accountants, professors in Nizam College and also many in the CID wing of the Nizam’s police force.

There are about four lakh Bengalis in Twin Cities. For most youngsters, who have not even visited Bengal, Hyderabad is their home. The old-timers from the community say “We’ve been here for at least six decades and have our business and family here. We celebrate our festivals and traditions here with a Hyderabadi flavour” said, Biswajeet Roy, a resident of Ameerpet.

Areas like Sainikpuri, Secunderabad, Ammerpert, Begumpet, Himayat Nagar, Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills have substantial chunks of Bengal population. Most of them are either into clothing business, making gold jewellery or teaching. Several are prominent scientists, industrialists and bankers.

In Hyderabad, the community is very active in social and cultural events. Every year, Durga puja is conducted in nearly 10 to 12 localities on large scale. The Hyderabad Bengali Samiti, Cyberabad Bengali Association, Bengali Cultural Association, Hyderabad Bengali Welfare Association, Krishti Goshti, Hyderabad Kalibadi and Bangiya Sanskritik Sangha are some of the associations in the City where Bengalis meet and celebrate their festivals. Uttarayan is the biggest social club of the community and organises Kali Puja and Diwali celebrations. Entertainment programmes are organised to attract both Bengalis and non-Bengalis.

“Language is not at all a barrier for us. My kids are more fluent in Telugu and Deccani Hindi than me. We are now citizens of Hyderabad and actively take part in social and political life here. The people of Hyderabad are very hospitable. We love to be called as Hyderabadi Bengali”, said Bimal Roy, member of Bangiya Sanskritik Sangha. He came to Hyderabad 45 years ago and settled here.

The community in the City has been in the forefront of national and local causes. The fund that is generated from Durga Puja or any of their cultural events is used for philanthropic activities.

The community has contributed to the Kargil relief fund and for disaster relief funds during natural calamities. The members from the various associations also visit the government hospitals and distribute fruits and blankets.

source: http://www.postnoon.com / Home> Business / by Anubha Kumari Singh / April 24th, 2012