Nizam’s kin object renaming of Osmania varsity library

The Kin of Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur Nizam VII has condemned the renaming of the Osmania University library, one of the oldest libraries in Hyderabad built by last Nizam. In a letter to the Governor ESL Narasimhan, the Nizam’s family urged him to direct the university to take back its decision regarding renaming the Osmania University Library.

The Nizam built the massive library as a boon and aid to the students of the University. The Library holds nearly 500,000 books and over 6000 manuscripts including rare palm leave manuscripts.

Nawab Najaf Ali Khan the Grandson of the seventh Nizam and also the President of the Nizam Family Welfare Association here on Monday stated that the Osmania University Public Relation Officer on 6 May stated that on the 14 of this month Bharat Ratna Dr.BR Ambedkar Research Centre will be inaugurated and also the Osmania University Library will be renamed as Bharat Ratna BR Ambedkar Library.

“Dr B. R. Ambedkar enjoys the highest love, affection and esteem in the hearts of the people of this Country not only for his drafting of our constitution but he was also a highly respected social reformer. He was also awarded a Doctorate Degree from the Osmania University,” Najaf Ali said. He also recalled that Dr Ambedkar also lauded the Nizam for building educational institutions.

“It is highly deplorable that this unnecessary and short-sighted decision of changing the name of Osmania University library has been taken in such a way without keeping in regard the sentiment of the founder and the students of all castes, creed, and religions benefitting from it,” Najaf said.

“While it is greatly appreciable that the BR Ambedkar Research Center is being inaugurated, it is appalling and hurtful that tampering with such a historic symbol can even be considered let alone carried out,” he said. If such acts of seemingly harmless “Renaming” continue what will become of the history, heritage and legacy of one of the most iconic heritage structures of Hyderabad, he wondered.

The library was established in 1918 along with the university and was later shifted to the present building. It was inaugurated by the then President of India S Radhakrishnan in 1963.