The 59th death anniversary of Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam of Hyderabad, passed on February 24 without official commemoration, prompting fresh demands for formal recognition of his contributions to the erstwhile Hyderabad State and present-day Telangana.
In a press release issued on February 24, Nawab Najaf Ali Khan said successive governments had failed to adequately honour the legacy of Nizam VII despite periodic discussions in the Telangana Legislative Assembly. “Words without action diminish history,” he said.
Contributions across sectors highlighted
The statement described Nizam VII as a ruler who promoted secular values and supported institutions across communities. Quoting him, the release said: “To me, all communities are alike. Neither any one is superior nor inferior; I consider all human beings alike.”
It said Hyderabad State witnessed expansion in healthcare, education, irrigation, infrastructure and public welfare during his reign. Several institutions established during that period continue to function.
Among them, the release cited Osmania General Hospital as a major legacy institution. It described the hospital as both a healthcare facility and a heritage structure, and alleged administrative neglect in its upkeep. The statement called for its immediate and full restoration.
Reference to 1967 state honours
Mir Osman Ali Khan died in 1967. The release said lakhs of people attended his funeral in Hyderabad and that he was accorded full state honours despite the end of princely rule in 1948.
It further stated that the government had issued an Extraordinary Gazette declaring February 25, 1967 a public holiday as a mark of respect. A copy of the gazette dated February 24, 1967 was enclosed with the statement.
Demands placed before government
The press note placed two demands before the government:
- Declaration of February 24 as a public holiday in honour of Nizam VII.
- Immediate and comprehensive restoration of Osmania General Hospital.
Najaf Ali Khan said continued neglect of the Nizam’s legacy hurt the sentiments of people who revere his memory and called for preservation of history “with truth and integrity”.
