Today is September 17th. According to the calendar, it’s the 261st day of the year in a leap year. Several significant and intriguing historical events are linked to this date. For India, September 17 holds particular importance as it marks a day when significant geographical and political changes occurred. Beyond this, many other fascinating occurrences around the world make this day special.
On September 17, 1948, the Hyderabad State was integrated into India. This was the day when Hyderabad’s last Nizam was dethroned from power. Due to the Nizam’s stubbornness, Hyderabad could only become a part of India 13 months after India’s independence.
Hyderabad Declared Itself an Independent Country
After India's independence and partition, Hyderabad declared itself an independent country. Meanwhile, a large population of Hyderabad State was demanding integration with India. To suppress this revolt, the Nizam of Hyderabad formed an army of Rizakars along with the state army. Using this force, he began a massacre of those who raised their voices to join India.
Operation Polo: Hyderabad’s Integration into India
India initially waited for Hyderabad to voluntarily join as a state. However, with the resurgence of the Razakars' oppression and violence in Telangana and Marathwada, the Indian government launched Operation Polo. Operation Polo was named as such because Hyderabad had the most significant number of polo fields at that time, and it was a covert military operation by the Indian army in 1948.
Why was it Named Operation Polo?
The objective behind this operation was to prevent Hyderabad from becoming a separate nation and integrate it into India. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel led the military and police forces under the command of Major General J.N. Chaudhuri. This campaign was termed 'police action' to avoid international opposition.
Casualties of Operation Polo
In this campaign, 1,373 Razakars were killed, and Hyderabad State lost 807 soldiers. The Indian Army suffered 66 casualties, and 96 soldiers were injured. This operation led to the removal of Hyderabad’s last Nizam, leading to the state's merger into India on September 17, 1948.
September 17: Liberation Day
This historical event of Hyderabad’s merger is remembered for the violence that followed the state’s division and integration. In Maharashtra and Karnataka, this day is celebrated as Liberation Day. The central government has also announced that every year, September 17 will be observed as 'Hyderabad Liberation Day.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Birthday
On the same date, September 17, 1950, India’s current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was born in Vadnagar, Gujarat. He is the third child of Heeraben Modi and Damodardas Mulchand Modi. After completing his studies, he left home in 1971 and fully associated himself with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He joined BJP in 1985, and through his dedication and hard work, he rose to political prominence. In 2001, he became Gujarat’s Chief Minister and in 2014, the Prime Minister of India.
Other Significant Events
On September 17, 1787, the American Constitution was signed in Philadelphia. Therefore, in the USA, this day is celebrated as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. On September 17, 1982, the first cricket test match between India and Sri Lanka was played. On September 17, 1956, the Oil and Natural Gas Commission of India was formed.
On September 17, 1630, the city of Boston in America was established.
