At a grand ceremony held today at Secunderabad Parade Ground on the occasion of Hyderabad Liberation Day, Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan recalled the historic chapter of the integration of the erstwhile princely state of Hyderabad into India and paid tribute to all the heroes who fought for the unity and integrity of the nation.

Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said that the story of Hyderabad is, in many ways, the story of the making of India. He added that the integration of the erstwhile princely state of Hyderabad into a unified India on September 17, 1948, marked a significant chapter in the nation’s journey of nation-building. He noted that it was part of the journey of national unity and nation-building that strengthened the foundations of modern India. He also recalled and paid homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his decisive role in the integration of the princely states.

 

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, while paying tribute to the martyrs, said that it was the firm resolve of Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the indomitable courage of the armed forces, and the unwavering desire of the people of Hyderabad to merge with India, coupled with their struggle, that brought the region into the fold of national unity. He also highlighted the contribution of the brave soldiers of the Jodhpur Lancers in this struggle.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar said that the people of Hyderabad had suffered under the Nizam’s rule and the atrocities committed by the Razakars. He said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, with firm resolve, freed them from this tyranny and made Hyderabad an integral part of India.

At the ceremony, 10 contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces presented a march past. The historical and cultural context of Hyderabad was presented through a special cultural performance on the theme “Hyderabad Vimochanam”. On the occasion, the winners of the Hyderabad Liberation Day Quiz Competition, held at the Salar Jung Museum, were felicitated by the  Vice President.

The Vice President visited a special exhibition organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the venue, showcasing historical episodes connected with Hyderabad Liberation Day and the journey of national unity.

On the occasion, Telangana Governor Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla, Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Malkajgiri MP Shri Etala Rajender, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shri Vivek Aggarwal, and Director General, Central Reserve Police Force, Shri Gyanendra Pratap Singh, among other dignitaries, were present.

The Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations, while commemorating a significant chapter of history, also underscored the role of citizens in nation-building, the constitutional values of equality, dignity and opportunity, and the resolve to continuously strengthen India’s unity.

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M. Annadurai

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