VP Leads Hyderabad Liberation Day Tribute at Secunderabad Parade Ground

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan led the Hyderabad Liberation Day commemorations at the Secunderabad Parade Ground, recalling the integration of the erstwhile princely state of Hyderabad into India on September 17, 1948, as a defining chapter in the country's nation-building journey.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice President described the story of Hyderabad as, in many ways, the story of the making of India. He said the accession strengthened the foundations of modern India and paid homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his decisive role in bringing the princely states into the Union.

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who also paid tribute to the martyrs, attributed the outcome to the firm resolve of Sardar Patel, the courage of the armed forces and the unwavering desire of the people of Hyderabad to join India. He specifically noted the contribution of the Jodhpur Lancers in the struggle.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar said the people of Hyderabad had endured suffering under the Nizam's rule and the atrocities of the Razakars, and credited Sardar Patel with freeing them from that tyranny and securing Hyderabad's place within India.

The ceremony featured a march past by ten contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces. A cultural performance titled "Hyderabad Vimochanam" presented the historical and cultural context of the region. Winners of a Hyderabad Liberation Day quiz competition held at the Salar Jung Museum were felicitated by the Vice President.

The Vice President also visited an exhibition organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which showcased historical episodes linked to Hyderabad Liberation Day and the broader journey of national unity.

Among those present were Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, Malkajgiri MP Etala Rajender, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Vivek Aggarwal and Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force Gyanendra Pratap Singh.

The celebrations, while recalling a significant chapter of history, also emphasised the role of citizens in nation-building, the constitutional values of equality, dignity and opportunity, and the resolve to strengthen India's unity.