The Centre has declared September 17 as ‘Hyderabad Liberation Day’ to commemorate the region’s independence from Nizam’s rule on that day in 1948. Hyderabad remained under the Nizams’ rule for 13 months after India gained independence in 1947. The liberation was achieved through ‘Operation Polo’.
The decision to celebrate Hyderabad Liberation Day annually was made in response to demands from the region’s people. The government aims to honor the martyrs who fought for Hyderabad’s freedom and inspire patriotism in the youth.
During the struggle for independence, the Razakars wanted Hyderabad to join Pakistan or become a Muslim dominion, opposing its merger with India. The people of the region bravely resisted the Razakars’ atrocities and worked towards merging Hyderabad with India.
On September 17, 1948, military action led by Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel resulted in the annexation of Hyderabad state into the Union of India. The Narendra Modi government has been organizing events on this day in recent years to commemorate Hyderabad Liberation Day, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah also attending in the past.
