I thoroughly enjoyed the fireside chat between H.E.H. Azmet Jah, the IX Nizam of Hyderabad, and Anuradha Naik, author of the book, held at Knowledge City.
The event was special in many ways. Most notably, this was perhaps the first time the story was narrated by the Nizam himself—outside the traditional settings of the Old City, #Falaknuma, or #Chowmahalla.
The venue itself was symbolic. By moving the conversation to the contemporary heart of Hyderabad, it acknowledged how far the city has evolved from its origins, while remaining deeply rooted in its legacy.
Old #Hyderabadis were present in large numbers, drawn by nostalgia and a shared sense of history coming alive.
What is most promising is the possibility of many more such conversations—of the #Nizam and Anu taking these stories to wider and more diverse audiences. This matters deeply.
History must be narrated and archived by the most authoritative voices, while they are still with us. Nothing compares to the Nizam himself recounting our past, complemented by curators like Anuradha Naik, who bring scholarship, sensitivity, and the highest standards of integrity to preserving it.
Together, they bring Brand Hyderabad / Deccan to life in its fullest expression.
Somewhere along the way, this strand of storytelling has slipped through the cracks as we narrate our rich past. Events like this reclaim it—with dignity, authenticity, and pride.