Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Vice President says Patel built foundation for unified India
Hyderabad Liberation Day remembers when the former Hyderabad State became part of the Indian Union.
This happened on 17 September 1948 after events including Operation Polo.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan spoke at the 79th anniversary celebrations.
He praised Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for helping bring many princely states together.
He also remembered people who fought and suffered during the Hyderabad struggle.
These people included students, farmers, writers and ordinary citizens.
Radhakrishnan said India can stay united even though its people speak different languages and follow different traditions.
He said equal rights, dignity and opportunity, along with the Constitution, help bring citizens together.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan called Hyderabad Liberation Day a decisive chapter in independent India’s history.
He said Hyderabad State joined the Indian Union on 17 September 1948 after the events of September 1948 and Operation Polo.
Radhakrishnan credited Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with laying the foundation for a strong and unified India.
He said students, farmers, activists, writers and other citizens endured imprisonment, violence and hardship during the Hyderabad struggle.
The celebrations included a guard of honour, a parade marchpast and cultural performances at Secunderabad Parade Ground.
- Who
- Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, along with participants and security personnel at the celebrations, including tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and people involved in the Hyderabad struggle.
- What
- The 79th Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations and an address on Hyderabad’s integration into the Indian Union and the importance of national unity.
- When
- Thursday; the historical integration occurred on 17 September 1948.
- Where
- Secunderabad Parade Ground, Hyderabad.
- Why
- To commemorate Hyderabad’s integration, honour those involved in the struggle and highlight constitutional democracy, equal rights and national unity.
- Event
- 79th Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations
- Historical date
- 17 September 1948
- Historical event
- Integration of the erstwhile Hyderabad State into the Indian Union
- Speaker
- Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan
- Location
- Secunderabad Parade Ground
- Key figure honoured
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- Ceremonial activities
- Guard of honour, marchpast and cultural performances