Hyderabad, Sep 17 (Representative) Under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations were held at Parade Grounds, Secunderabad, on Tuesday to mark the liberation of Hyderabad State from the Nizam’s rule on September 17, 1948. Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, was the Chief Guest and unfurled the national flag at the event. He also paid floral tributes to the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. A parade by paramilitary and defence forces, along with cultural programs depicting the historic Hyderabad struggle, was part of the celebrations. Before arriving at the Parade Grounds, Reddy paid homage to martyrs at the War Memorial. During his address, he highlighted the lack of awareness among many about the region’s actual liberation date, noting that most assume Telangana gained independence on August 15, 1947, unaware that Hyderabad State was liberated on September 17, 1948, a full 13 months later. Reddy lamented the conspiracy and malice in suppressing this history, calling it an injustice to those who fought and sacrificed for freedom.
He criticised the Telangana state government for not officially celebrating “Telangana Liberation Day,” while emphasising that the central government had started official celebrations in 2022, with a gazette notification ensuring future observances. The Minister praised the people’s courageous fight against the Nizam and the Rajakars, labelling the struggle as one of the greatest not just in India but globally. He recounted the atrocities committed by Nizam’s forces and the Rajakars, including acts of violence against Hindus, forced conversions, and the brutal suppression of local cultures and languages, particularly Telugu. Reddy also spoke about the contribution of leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose efforts led to the merger of princely states, including Hyderabad, into India. He detailed the resistance faced during this period, with the Nizam aiming to create an independent Islamic state and the Rajakars perpetrating widespread violence, particularly between 1946 and 1948.
He called for the rightful recognition of the region’s liberation, criticising political forces for downplaying the significance of the event due to vote-bank politics. He also accused the ruling Telangana government of abandoning its earlier stance on officially commemorating Hyderabad Liberation Day after forming an alliance with the AIMIM party. Earlier in the day, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy also unfurled the national flag at the BJP state office, Dr Shyam Prasad Mukherjee Bhavan, in Nampally, as part of the Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, BJP OBC Morcha National President and Rajya Sabha Member Dr Laxman, senior BJP leaders, MPs, MLAs, and party officials were present at the event.