His Exalted Highness Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan: Legacy, History Remains Unchanged

Today, on 06 April, we remember His Exalted Highness Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan, Nizam VII, my grandfather, on his 139th birth anniversary. Despite attempts made by some to distort his legacy, history remains unchanged. His contributions to society, governance, and humanity speak for themselves.

 
Reigned for 37 years from 1911 to 1948: A visionary and a benevolent leader who reigned for 37 years from 1911 to 1948, transforming Hyderabad into a modern state. His governance was marked by progressive policies, secular values, and a commitment to the welfare of his people, irrespective of caste or religion. The Nizam of Hyderabad ruled over a predominantly Hindu population in the Hyderabad State. He was one of the few rulers who lived modestly, dedicating his life to his subjects.
 

Contribution to Hyderabad remains evident: Nizam VII‘s contribution to Hyderabad remains evident in its infrastructure and institutions. He prioritized education, healthcare, and urban planning, laying the foundation for the city’s modernization. His secular policies fostered communal harmony, and his patronage extended to scholars, institutions, and places of worship across all faiths.
 
World-class medical institutions in Hyderabad: Transforming Healthcare in Hyderabad, for which he played a pivotal role in establishing world-class medical institutions in Hyderabad, including Osmania General Hospital, Unani Hospital, Fever Hospital, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Niloufer Hospital, etc. Free medical care was provided to the poor, and Osmania Hospital was among the first in India to use chloroform as an anaesthetic. His vision for public health remains impactful even today.
 
Remarkable progress in multiple sectors: Advancing Education and Infrastructure under his rule, Hyderabad saw remarkable progress in multiple sectors. He established tribal schools, women’s education institutions, and free primary education.
 
Telephone system, postal services, and Deccan Radio: The introduction of Urban Development led to the town planning system and modern sanitation infrastructure. During his rule, modes of communication developed like the telephone system, postal services, and Deccan Radio.
 

Contribution to secularism and religious harmony was matchless: His contribution to secularism and religious harmony was matchless. He firmly believed in equality, once stating, "To me, all communities are alike. Neither is anyone superior nor inferior; I consider all human beings equal." His financial support extended to Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Sikh religious groups as well as educational institutions without discrimination. He also funded the compilation and publication of the Mahabharata and donated generously to Banaras Hindu University, Shantiniketan, and other academic institutions.
 
Fair trials with no exemptions, even for the elite: An Industrial Fund of Rs I crore was created for Industries, for water supply Nizam Sagar Dam was built and for transport roads and railway system was developed. The Justice System ensured fair trials with no exemptions, even for the elite.
 
Donation of five tons (5,000 kg) of gold to India’s National Defence Fund: His unparalleled Philanthropy is evidenced by his donation of five tons (5,000 kg) of gold to India’s National Defence Fund upon Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s request. The creation of Nizam Charitable Trust, established with Rs.5 crore, continues to provide financial aid for the needy, regardless of religion or background.
 
His statesmanship and administrative acumen remain exemplary: Recognizing his leadership, the Indian Government appointed Nizam VII as Rajpramukh (Governor) in 1948, a position he held until 1956 before voluntarily resigning. His statesmanship and administrative acumen remain exemplary.
 
 Preserving His Legacy – Our Demands to the Chief Minister of Telangana
Despite his immense contributions, the legacy of Nizam VII has not been given due recognition. To honour his memory, we urge the Telangana Government to:
    1. Officially celebrate his birthday in recognition of his role in shaping modern     Hyderabad.
2. Include a lesson in the history curriculum highlighting his contributions.
3. Preserve and restore historic structures built during his reign, prioritizing the immediate repair of Osmania General Hospital.
 
My Quote
My grandfather, Nizam VII, was a compassionate ruler who lived simply but worked tirelessly to build a modern, inclusive city. In Hyderabad, the contributions of Nizam VII are visible as far as one’s eyes can see. It is deeply hurtful that his legacy has not been given due recognition by successive governments.
 
-Nawab Mir Najaf Ali Khan