Tuesday, Apr 8 2025 | Time 17:14 Hrs(IST)
States » South


Legacy of Nizam VII remains untarnished despite distortions: Grandson Nawab Mir Najaf Ali Khan

Hyderabad, Apr 6 (UNI) Nawab Mir Najaf Ali Khan, grandson of the last Nizam of Hyderabad, paid tribute to his grandfather, His Exalted Highness Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan, Nizam VII, on his 139th birth anniversary, stating that “despite attempts made by some to distort his legacy, history remains unchanged.”
In a heartfelt statement, he remembered the Nizam as a visionary and benevolent ruler whose contributions to governance, society, and humanity continue to speak for themselves.
Nizam VII reigned from 1911 to 1948, during which he transformed Hyderabad into a modern and progressive state. His administration was known for its forward-thinking policies, secular ideals, and a strong commitment to public welfare, irrespective of caste or religion.
Despite ruling over a predominantly Hindu population, he was widely respected for his fairness, inclusivity, and modest lifestyle, dedicating his life to the service of his people.
The Nizam’s legacy is still visible in the city’s infrastructure and public institutions. He prioritised education, healthcare, and urban planning. Major hospitals such as Osmania General Hospital, Unani Hospital, Fever Hospital, Niloufer Hospital, and the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) were established under his rule.
Osmania Hospital was among the first in India to use chloroform as an anaesthetic, and free medical care was provided to the underprivileged. In education, he supported the establishment of schools for women and tribal communities as well as introduced free primary education.
Urban development also flourished during his reign with the introduction of systematic town planning, sanitation infrastructure, telephone and postal services, and Deccan Radio.
Nizam VII strongly upheld secular values and once stated, “To me, all communities are alike. Neither is anyone superior nor inferior; I consider all human beings equal.” He financially supported Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Sikh religious and educational institutions alike. He also funded the publication of the Mahabharata and made generous donations to Banaras Hindu University, Shantiniketan, and other academic institutions.
For industrial development, he created a Rs one crore Industrial Fund, built the Nizam Sagar Dam to ensure water supply, and expanded road and railway networks. He upheld a strong justice system where fair trials were ensured without favoritism. His philanthropic efforts were unparalleled; he famously donated five tons (5,000 kg) of gold to India’s National Defence Fund at the request of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
He also established the Nizam Charitable Trust with Rs five crore, which continues to provide financial assistance to the needy, regardless of religion or background.
In recognition of his leadership and administrative excellence, the Indian government appointed Nizam VII as Rajpramukh (Governor) of Hyderabad State in 1948, a post he held until 1956, when he voluntarily stepped down.
Nawab Mir Najaf Ali Khan has urged the Telangana government to officially honour Nizam VII’s immense contributions.
He called for the official celebration of his birth anniversary, the inclusion of his contributions in school history curricula, and the restoration of heritage structures built during his reign, with priority given to the repair of Osmania General Hospital.
“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 added.
UNI VV SS
More News
ATF welcomes Telangana HC verdict on Dilsukhnagar twin blasts case

ATF welcomes Telangana HC verdict on Dilsukhnagar twin blasts case

08 Apr 2025 | 4:34 PM

Hyderabad, Apr 8 (UNI) Anti-Terrorism Forum (ATF) Chairman Dr Ravinuthala Shashidhar welcomed Telangana High Court verdict upholding the death sentence awarded by the NIA court to five accused in the 2013 Dilsukhnagar twin bomb blasts case.

see more..

Well-marked low-pressure area over Bay of Bengal; Thunderstorms likely in Coastal AP, Rayalaseema

08 Apr 2025 | 4:06 PM

Amaravati, Apr 8 (UNI) The low-pressure area that developed over the southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on Monday has moved northwestwards and now lies as a well-marked low-pressure area over the southwest and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal as of 0830 hours on Tuesday.

see more..

Telangana: Man undergoes emergency surgery for ruptured Appendix at KIMS, Kurnool

08 Apr 2025 | 4:01 PM

Kurnool (Telangana), Apr 8 (UNI) In a rare medical occurrence, a 78-year-old man from Kurnool was diagnosed with Amyand’s Hernia, a condition where the appendix enters a hernia and ruptures.

see more..
SC verdict against TN Guv historic victory for state autonomy, federalism : Stalin

SC verdict against TN Guv historic victory for state autonomy, federalism : Stalin

08 Apr 2025 | 4:01 PM

Chennai, Apr 8 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin on
Tuesday termed the Supreme Court order against Governor RN Ravi withholding
assent to the Bills passed in the State Assembly as a historic verdict for all states
and a victory for state autonomy and federalism.

see more..

Telangana to launch slot booking system for faster, transparent registrations

08 Apr 2025 | 3:52 PM

Hyderabad, Apr 8 (UNI) Telangana Revenue, Housing, Information, and Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy announced the introduction of a slot booking system to modernize sub-registrar offices and provide fast, transparent, and corruption-free services across the state.

see more..