Hyderabad’s identity is not just rooted in past, but also in globalized present: ‘Beyond Biryani’ author Dr Dinesh Sharma

Hyderabad: Hyderabad is known for its rich cultural heritage, iconic biryani, and historical monuments. But beyond these popular attractions, the city has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a global tech hub.

In his new book, Beyond Biryani, Dr Dinesh C Sharma delves deep into Hyderabad’s journey from a proto-colonial city to a thriving technology cluster.

In an interview with NewsMeter, the writer reflects on the pivotal moments, historical milestones, and key players that shaped Hyderabad’s transformation. He shares insights into the pivotal moments that shaped Hyderabad’s transformation and discusses the role of culture, education, and innovation in the city’s journey. Excerpts:

NM: What were some of the key turning points in Hyderabad’s transformation from a princely state to a global tech hub?

Dr Dinesh: Hyderabad’s transformation wasn’t sudden; it took nearly a century. Key turning points include the 1908 flood, the two World Wars, and the political and economic integration after 1948. Most crucially, the economic liberalization of 1991 set the stage for Hyderabad’s rapid growth. Each of these events led to the creation of policies and institutions that became the foundation for future development. The establishment of Osmania University and public sector units like IDPL and ECIL were instrumental in shaping the city’s scientific and technological landscape.

NM: How did the nawabs and princely rulers contribute to fostering a scientific and modern outlook in early 20th-century Hyderabad?

Dr Dinesh: The princely rulers, particularly Mir Turab Ali Khan (Salar Jung I) and later Mir Osman Ali Khan, played a significant role. Salar Jung introduced modern education, medical research, and town planning. Later, Mir Osman Ali Khan expanded education and technical research, wanting to be seen as a modern ruler. The British administrative system, implemented by figures like George Casson Walker and Akbar Hydari, also brought modern ideas and institutions to Hyderabad. This led to advances in areas such as medical research, as seen with the Chloroform Commissions and malaria studies.

NM: The book mentions the Chloroform Commissions and Ronald Ross’ discovery of malaria. How did these scientific developments position Hyderabad in the broader scientific landscape of India?

Dr Dinesh: These scientific initiatives elevated Hyderabad’s reputation on the global stage. The Chloroform Commissions and Malaria Research put Hyderabad on the map as a center of medical research. The Nizamiah Observatory and other scientific activities further solidified the city’s standing in the international scientific community. These developments helped Hyderabad gain recognition beyond its cultural heritage, showcasing its contributions to scientific advancement.

NM: What role did Osmania University play in shaping Hyderabad’s scientific temper and intellectual growth?

Dr Dinesh: Osmania University was pivotal in creating an educated elite in Hyderabad that was connected with peers in India and Europe. It became a hub for political ideas, nationalism, and linguistic identity. After 1948, the university incubated national research institutions like the Regional Research Laboratory (RRL) and the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), turning the area into Hyderabad’s first knowledge corridor. This environment fostered scientific and industrial growth, contributing to Hyderabad’s reputation as a knowledge city.

NM: How did Hyderabad’s globalization accelerate in the last three decades?

Dr. Dinesh: The transformation began before the 1990s, with public sector units like IDPL and ECIL nurturing entrepreneurs in electronics, software, and bulk drugs. However, the liberalization policies of 1991 opened up new opportunities, particularly in IT and technology industries. The entry of N. Chandrababu Naidu as chief minister in 1995 was a major catalyst. He aggressively pushed for economic reforms and promoted Hyderabad as a global tech hub. External factors like the Y2K crisis and the role of the Telugu diaspora also played a crucial role in accelerating the city’s globalization.

NM: How has Hyderabad balanced its cultural heritage with the demands of modernity and globalization?

Dr Dinesh: Hyderabad has done an excellent job of balancing its rich cultural heritage with modernity. The city’s assimilative and welcoming nature has made it an attractive destination for technical talent and in-migration, which is crucial for globalization. The traditional cuisine, multilingual culture, and favorable climate also contribute to this balance. Unlike some other metros, Hyderabad is welcoming to outsiders, which is a key factor in its success as a global tech hub.

NM: Do you see any tension between Hyderabad’s historical and modern identities?

Dr Dinesh: There is an interplay between the city’s historical legacy and its modern, globalized identity, but Hyderabad has managed to integrate both quite well. The city’s cultural assets, like Hyderabadi biryani and its local dialect, coexist with its tech parks and research institutions. This blend of the old and the new is what makes Hyderabad unique and allows it to thrive as both a cultural and technological center.

NM: Beyond the IT industry, what other sectors are crucial to Hyderabad’s growth and global presence?

Dr Dinesh: Hyderabad’s economy is already diversified beyond IT. The city has strong sectors in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences, agriculture, healthcare, and engineering R&D. Emerging areas like space and aerospace, electric mobility, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are also set to play major roles in the city’s future growth. However, more investment in research, innovation, and home-grown product development is needed to maintain Hyderabad’s competitive edge globally.

NM: What inspired you to write Beyond Biryani, and do you have personal connections to Hyderabad that influenced your perspective?

Dr Dinesh: I was born in Hyderabad and grew up there, and I still have family connections to the city, though I’ve been living in Delhi for many years. Having said that, my interest in Hyderabad’s transformation stems from my broader research into India’s technology sector. My first book on the IT industry was published in 2009, and I’ve been fascinated by how technology clusters emerge. Hyderabad’s story, with its mix of cultural heritage and technological progress, was particularly compelling for me to explore.

NM: How do you hope Beyond Biryani will impact readers’ perceptions of Hyderabad?

Dr Dinesh: I hope the book helps readers see a new side of Hyderabad—beyond its famous biryani and historical monuments. Hyderabad’s culture and technology go hand in hand, and this coexistence of the old, the new, and the post-modern is what gives the city its strength. I want readers to understand that Hyderabad’s identity is not just rooted in its past, but also in its dynamic, globalized present.

NM: What does the future hold for Hyderabad?

Dr Dinesh: Hyderabad is on a strong growth trajectory, but to stay competitive, it needs to focus on research, innovation, and home-grown entrepreneurship. The city has the potential to produce global companies and own intellectual property, which will be crucial for its future success. The challenge will be to continue investing in these areas while balancing the demands of a rapidly changing global economy.