In today’s world, one would have to search far and wide to find someone who does not drink alcohol; it is rare to find gatherings or events held without it. Liquor shops are a common sight in every village, and in small towns or taluk headquarters, they can be found on almost every street. However, Thammara Bandapalem—a village merged into the Kodad Municipality in Telangana’s Suryapet district—stands in stark contrast to this norm. A total of 91 families reside here, comprising 60 Muslim and 30 Hindu households. Most villagers earn their livelihood through agriculture, handicrafts, welding work, and small businesses.
70 Years of Strict Alcohol Prohibition:
Not a single drop of alcohol has been sold in Bandapalem village over the past seven decades (70 years), and no one here consumes it. The villagers have upheld this unique system to this day through their own strict social norms and mutual agreement.
The majority of the residents are small farmers and agricultural laborers. Because alcohol consumption is completely prohibited, the village is free from incidents of domestic violence or public brawls and altercations. The village elders realized long ago that alcohol not only squanders hard-earned money but also tears families apart and disrupts the peace of the village.
A Lesson for the New Generation:
Believing that alcohol consumption hinders village development, the elders voluntarily implemented a ban on alcohol. Villagers have honored this decision for generations. Local leaders state that the village’s resolve is being passed on to future generations by educating the youth about the harmful effects of alcohol.
Women Lead the Fight Against the Liquor Mafia:
In the past, outsiders or members of the liquor mafia have repeatedly attempted to open liquor shops or sell alcohol illegally in the village. However, the entire community united to prevent this. Notably, the village women have taken the lead in protecting their village by destroying illicit liquor stills and driving away liquor sellers.
Strict Rules and Penalties:
To maintain an alcohol-free environment, the Gram Panchayat has enforced very strict rules. Any resident found selling or consuming alcohol faces a hefty financial penalty.
The village’s rules are not limited to the confines of the village alone. If any villager travels to an outside town or another village, consumes alcohol, and returns, they are not permitted to enter the village boundaries. The individual must remain outside the village until they are completely sober.
A Police-Free and Self-Reliant Village
Due to this strict community discipline, no crimes occur in Bandapalem village. Consequently, there is no need for police intervention to resolve disputes. The entire village is known for maintaining law and order.
Money that was previously squandered on alcohol is now being saved, and villagers are utilizing these funds for their children’s quality education and to meet the family’s basic needs. As a result, the village’s overall economic condition has improved significantly, and every family lives a happy and peaceful life.