The nomadic Iranian families living in Chhattisgarh has not been given new houses to live in that also permanent. These Iranians had arrived around 100 years before in Raipur, capital city.
They used to eke out their living by selling horses and were residing in temporary shelters by constructing hutments known as ‘Irani Dera’ besides the narrow-gauge railway line. With the horse trade declining, the male members of family on Malviya road sell sunglasses, watches and others to make an earning. They are involved in this profession for last 50 years. Among them they speak Parsi language but now they have learnt Hindi and Chhattisgarhi also.
With the government taking an initiative, around 112 families with around 500 members have been given house of their own. The houses have been constructed under BSUP scheme at Kushabhau Thakre Ward 26 near Daldal Seoni. The colony has cemented road, power and drinking water supply. The houses have been provided basic amenities and colony has been named after Pandit Deendayal Upadhaya Colony. The families have been given flats in six different blocks. Each flat has kitchen, hall and toilet.
75-year old Shahzadi Bano says that earlier they had to cover the roof with plastic during rainy season and had lived in same situation for last 60 years. She gave blessings to Chief Minister for providing a permanent house.
Among them two renowned persons are Suleman Irani and Ruswa Irani, the ‘Shayar’ of Urdu. Ali Sajjad ‘Ruswa Irani’ was felicitated by Government of Chhattisgarh with state award ‘Haji Hassan Ali Samman’ for his contribution in Urdu language and literature.
Jafar Ali who had recently shifted having cleared 12th class from Gujrati School now takes free tuition to school going children of the colony. He also thanked Chief Minister for providing a house and appeasing environment.
Sartaj Ali, a wrestler, has grown in the old hutments feels that it was like living on the sword always facing fear of displacement. Now, he says that the desire is to start an ‘akhara’ here so that new generation is imparted the basics of wrestling. Mohsin Ali Suhel said that now they have does not have any relationship with Iran.
The peace and tranquillity which they received here have pulled them back. Now they do not want to go anywhere. They have demanded city bus service for transportation, to city which is 10 kilometres from here.