BJP Renews Demand to Teach Hyderabad's 1948 Integration in School Textbooks

The Telangana unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has renewed its demand that the history of Hyderabad's integration with the Indian Union be included in school textbooks, with its state president N. Ramchander Rao saying on Wednesday that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel should inspire the people of Hyderabad and Telangana in the same way that freedom fighters such as Bhagat Singh and Rani Lakshmibai continue to inspire pride and patriotism among younger generations.

Mr. Rao was speaking at the inauguration of a photo exhibition marking Hyderabad Liberation Day at the Parade Grounds in Secunderabad, attended by students and other participants.

He said Hyderabad's integration into the Indian Union became possible because of the decisive leadership of the country's first Home Minister. "Even after India became independent in 1947, Hyderabad remained under the rule of the Nizam. It was only on September 17, 1948, following Operation Polo and the decisive intervention of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, that Hyderabad was liberated and integrated with India," he said.

According to Mr. Rao, the Nizam sought to keep Hyderabad independent after Independence. Following the Indian military action, he said, the Nizam surrendered and Hyderabad became an integral part of the Indian Union. "September 17 is therefore a historic day for every resident of Telangana," he said, repeating the party's demand that the history of the State's integration be taught in schools.

Stressing the importance of historical awareness, he said, "Our future stands on the foundation of our past. Unless we know our history, we cannot fully understand the sacrifices that shaped our present. History offers valuable lessons and guides future generations."

Historical background

Hyderabad was the largest of the princely states at the time of Independence. Its ruler, the Nizam, signed a standstill agreement with India in November 1947 and sought to retain independent status, even as negotiations with the new Indian government continued without agreement. Amid reports of violence and the activities of the Razakar militia, the Indian Army launched Operation Polo on September 13, 1948. The Nizam's forces surrendered on September 17, 1948, and Hyderabad acceded to India.

The period also saw the Telangana peasant armed struggle, launched in 1946 against the Nizam's rule and later against landlords, which historians consider a significant chapter of the region's modern history.

Contested observances

The date is observed under different names by different groups. The BJP has held it as Hyderabad Liberation Day, while the Telangana government has conducted official programmes on September 17 as Telangana National Integration Day. Some political parties and organisations, including the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, have in the past opposed the celebrations and disputed how the events of 1948 are described. School syllabi for State board institutions are framed by the State government, while the National Council of Educational Research and Training prepares the national curriculum.

Service programmes announced

BJP Legislature Party leader A. Maheshwar Reddy announced that a series of service activities would be organised across the country from September 17 to October 17 to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday and to commemorate his 25 years in public service, including his tenure as Chief Minister.

He urged people to light lamps in their homes under the 'Ashirwad Ka Diya' programme and to pray for Mr. Modi's health and long life. Elocution and painting competitions are also being held in schools across the State as part of the programmes.