Telangana govt faces criticism over silence on Nizam VII birth anniversary
HYDERABAD: On the 140th birth anniversary of Nawab Sir Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, the city has seen no formal recognition from the Government of Telangana. This absence has drawn criticism from the late ruler’s family, who allege deliberate neglect by the state.
Nawab Najaf Ali Khan, a descendant of the Nizam, questioned why the government has failed to commemorate the occasion. “Is this an oversight, or a deliberate decision?” he asked. He expressed concern that future generations may lose awareness of the Nizam’s remarkable contributions.
“It is often said, ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ Some political entities invoke his name for their own purposes. Still, the lack of formal recognition on his birth anniversary reflects a disregard for a leader of such stature,” said Khan.
Mir Osman Ali Khan, who ruled the princely state of Hyderabad from 1911 until its integration into the Indian Union in 1948, is widely remembered for his secular outlook and simple lifestyle. His belief, as quoted in the family’s statement, was unequivocal, “To me, all communities are alike. Neither is anyone superior nor inferior; I consider all human beings alike.”
Under his reign, Hyderabad State saw advances in healthcare, education, infrastructure, irrigation, and public welfare. He made primary education compulsory and accessible, especially for the underprivileged. This reform was ahead of its time in the subcontinent.
Many institutions founded under his patronage still serve the public. These include Osmania General Hospital, Osmania University, the High Court of Hyderabad, and the State Bank of Hyderabad (now merged with SBI).
After Hyderabad’s integration into the Indian Union, the Nizam served as Rajpramukh (constitutional head) of Hyderabad State from 1950 to 1956, before voluntarily stepping down.
In 1964, he reportedly contributed 5,000 kilograms of gold to the Government of India. This was one of the largest individual donations in India and helped the young nation during a critical financial period.
Nawab Najaf Ali Khan has formally demanded that the Government of Telangana officially commemorate April 6 every year as the birth anniversary of Nizam VII.
“It is deeply disheartening that governments have not formally commemorated his birth anniversary. This would honor his enduring legacy. Continued neglect affects not only his family but also those who value and remember his contributions,” said Khan in a statement.
Historically, the Nizam’s birthday was observed with prayers, religious observances, and charitable acts. These acts reflected his commitment to social welfare. Today, there were no state-led events, announcements, or tributes.
Khan requested Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to officially commemorate 6th April every year as the birth anniversary of Nizam VII. Such recognition would not only honor his legacy but also reinforce the values of secularism, equality, and inclusive governance that he held, concluded Khan.
