India, US collaborated to bring Omar Khalidi’s collection to Hyderabad's MANUU

Hyderabad: Long awaiting for researchers is over. Dr. Omar Khalidi’s personal collection is now available at Hyderabad’s Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU).

US Consulate General, Hyderabad spent around Rs 8 lakh on shipping alone from Boston to Hyderabad.

H K Sherwani Centre for Deccan Studies, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) and US Consulate General, Hyderabad inaugurated Dr. Omar Khalidi Hall, which now contains his personal collection of 1649 books, manuscripts, and other documents in different languages including Urdu, Arabic, English, Hindi, Telugu, French and Italian.

These will be digitized, after proper cataloging and documentation. Digitization is part of the agreement between MANUU and the US Consulate. As part of this even soft copies will be uploaded on University’s website and will be available for the public. The project may take 3 years to complete.

Befitting tribute to eminent scholar from Hyderabad

It is being described as the befitting tribute to an eminent scholar a US citizen born in Hyderabad whose writings on subjects including history, architecture, economics, demography, politics, Urdu education, minority rights, and nationalism are well received amongst the academia.

“It isn’t just a mere book collection, this is the collection that many American universities and Hyderabadis were clamoring for as this collection evokes a great amount of sentimental value, and housing it in a university was the most appropriate step,” explained Prof Salma Ahmed Farooqui, director of the Centre.

This will strengthen the relationship between India and US: Consul General

Consul General, US Consulate General, Jennifer Larson said Dr Khalidi’s life and career acted as a bridge between India and the United States in academic and social circles. “We appreciate his efforts to bring our two countries closer together and hope that this book collection will be a reminder for others to follow in his footsteps and foster even stronger relations between the US and India,” she said.

Khalidi a bookworm: Friend

Khaldi’s friend Syed Mohammed Qutubuddin who studied along with him in Madarsa Aliya recalled how even as a child was a bookworm. He would be spending time in the American Library or Asifia Library when other children of his age engaged in other hobbies. Son of a Professor cleverly spent his pocket money on buying second-hand books on Abid’s footpath. “On every Sunday, he used to wear slippers and old clothing to ensure he got the book of his choice at the best deal. Later he himself became a Librarian at Massachusetts University and that was his world before doing his Ph.D. in London,” he recalled.

Revisiting Brand Hyderabad’s Cultural Legacy

In the session which followed the inauguration of Khalidi Hall, noted historians threw light on Deccan history. Prof I Thirumali, former Professor of History, University of Delhi explained about the transition of Hyderabad State at the time of Independence. He said that Nizam who had realized what was written on the wall did not resist the Indian Army, neither resigned from his position as he continued to be referred to as HEH. “The fight was between Razakars and Communists, before the Police Action. K N Munshi negotiated the deal. In fact, the jagirdari system was abolished by him,” he explained.

According to Thirumali, the State of Hyderabad never witnessed riots till the 1940s, as Hindus and Muslims coexisted and most of them had family friends. In 1944 communists entered into the picture and only in 1946 Nizam realized that this was transformed into a big movement. “Nizam was shocked to know about the demand for Swaraj then. Nehru played his part, as he had access to all the government files,” he added.

The event also saw a panel discussion on Hyderabad’s Heritage through a Young Lens, where youngsters voiced their concern over losing the rich heritage and legacy of the City.