Hyderabad Liberation Day

Why is Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrated on September 17 ?

Hyderabad Liberation Day is celebrated on September 17 to mark the day in 1948 when the region of Hyderabad was liberated from the rule of the Nizams and annexed into the Union of India.This followed a military operation known as ‘Operation Polo’, initiated by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the then Home Minister of India. The operation was a decisive action against the Nizam’s rule and the atrocities committed by the Razakars, a private militia loyal to the Nizam, who resisted the integration of Hyderabad into independent India.

History

Hyderabad remained under Nizam’s rule for 13 months after India gained Independence on August 15, 1947. The Nizam’s private militia, the Razakars, fiercely resisted Hyderabad’s integration into India, committing various atrocities in the process. On September 17, 1948, India’s Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, launched ‘Operation Polo’, a military campaign to liberate Hyderabad from Nizam rule.

Following the operation, Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, the 7th ruler of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, surrendered on September 17, 1948. Many view this day as the moment Hyderabad joined the Indian Union. However, the formal accession took place later, on January 26, 1950, when the Nizam was appointed Rajpramukh (Governor) of Hyderabad state.

Operation Polo : The military action that led to the liberation of Hyderabad on September 17, 1948, was named ‘Operation Polo’, reflecting the strategy to annex Hyderabad into the Indian Union.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Role : Patel played a pivotal role in orchestrating the operation as the first Home Minister of India, aimed at integrating the princely state into independent India.

Standstill Agreement : Initially, a Standstill Agreement was signed between India and Hyderabad to maintain peace. However, escalating violence and non-compliance by the Nizam’s side led to military intervention.

Public Support for Liberation : The liberation movement saw massive public support, with people rallying for freedom and integration with India, symbolized by chants of ‘Vande Matram’.

Strategic Importance : Hyderabad’s strategic location and size made its integration crucial for the political and geographical unity of India.

Feudal Oppression : The liberation was also a fight against oppressive feudal systems and the dominance of Razakars, setting the stage for social and political reforms in the region.

Commemoration by the Indian Government : The Narendra Modi Government has officially celebrated Hyderabad Liberation Day in recent years, emphasizing the historical significance and sacrifices made for Hyderabad’s liberation.

Patriotism and Remembrance : Celebrating this day annually serves to remember the martyrs, infuse patriotism among the youth, and educate the public about the struggle for Hyderabad’s integration into the Indian Union.

(Courtesy : Article by Ms Roopashree Sharma posted on jagranjosh.com; 17.9.2024)

(Ms Roopashree Sharma is a content writing professional with over 5 years of experience in digital journalism. She is currently serving as Assistant Manager – Editorial at Jagran New Media.)