The proposal of starting a Degree College was first piloted by Sri. K. Jagmohan, a veteran teacher, social activist and
practicing lawyer. In order to translate his proposal into a living reality he met late Sri. Shankarji, the moving
spirit behind Osmania Graduates' Association, a unique body of its kind, committed to the cause of education and
upliftment of the downtrodden in Telangana region. As a follow-up, a meeting was held at Sri. Shankerji's residence to
chalk out the future course of action. Late. Potnak Pentaji and Karipe Bhavanaji, the local philanthropists came forward
to donate 20 acres of land for the purpose.
The genesis of Osmania Graduates' Association can be traced back to almost a century. The social, educational, economic
and political conditions of the society under a feudal Muslim rule of Nizam State were more archaic when compared to
other princely states in India. Literacy level among the masses was very low. As such there were no political parties to
reflect and mobilise, the aspirations of people and project the shocking economic disparities and plan to improve the
situation. The policies of the feudal government were not oriented towards the needs and aspirations of the people.
Osmania University was established in 1919, with Urdu as the medium of instruction because Urdu was the language of the
rulers and the ruling class. Much has been sung about this step, neglecting the fact that Urdu was not the language of
the masses, but was only of the Muslims, and the administration.
After two batches of graduates, passed out of the portals Osmania University, serious consequences were realised by a
small group of young graduates that their degrees of Urdu medium were denied recognition outside Nizam State, by the
provincial governments in British India, other princely states and also by the University of Madras, Bombay and
Calcutta.
Here lies the fascinating story of the genesis of Osmania Graduates' Association. One of the subtle and grave concern
shared by few young graduates from elite Hindu and Muslim families was how to draw attention of men in power that
mattered to the anxieties of the young graduates of Osmania University to get their degrees recognised, which were to be
equal to the degrees of other prevailing universities in India.
Late Mir. Akbar Ali Khan, a graduate from the first batch and also the first to go to U.K for higher studies, has put on
record his reminiscences, how he faced the problem of getting his degree recognised, when he went to enrol his name for
terms of the course of Barrister in London. However, this problem was never solved till 1949, when Urdu medium was
replaced by English medium after the state was merged in Indian Union. Earlier MBBS & Engineering degrees holders in
Urdu medium were immediately absorbed in the Nizam government services. By 1947 about 312 doctors had acquire MBBS in
Urdu medium. Nevertheless these graduates were admitted for the higher studies in UK. Also during II world war they were
recruited in Armed Forces in equal footing. One of them, Captain Dr. V. S. Joshi was awarded the Military Cross while
another Dr. Yousuf Siddiqui died with his boots on.
At this time the idea of forming an Association took shape-quick
action was
taken and Osmania Graduates’ Association was born 25th November
1932,
thirteenth year after OU was established. Prominent among founders
of OGA
were stalwarts like Nawab Fakhar Nawaz Jung (First President) Sri.
Shankarji,
Sri. Abdul Rahim, Sri. Raja Rai Gurudas, Sri. Kaleemuddin Ansari, Sri.
Mohd Ali
Khan, Sri. Mir Ahmer Ali Khan and Sri. Mirza Shukur Baig. A graduate
in early
thirties carried tremendous dignity, social status and
responsibility. The
Graduates were enlightened and detached from narrow social norms.
They were
indeed treated as enlightened elite. This naturally motivated them
to widen
their perception and explore the possibilities to work in social,
economic
and political fields, after prolonged sessions of deliberations and
discussions, Education Committee was formed. Subsequently in 1938,
Economic
Committee was formed, which in its turn founded Exhibition Society
in the
same year. During the same period a political Committee was also
formed.
Education committee for some time published a monthly magazine. The
Political Committee had become defund as many Osmania Graduates
become
government servants, and it went out of existence. However, Economic
Committees and Exhibition Society continue their work, contributing
service
to Economic commercial and small and medium industrial development
and
cottage industry in this part of this state. The History of O.G.A is
so vast
and stupendous that volumes could be written about it. However, on
this
occasion it is relevant to highlight the continuity growth and
services
rendered by OGA.
Political developments in British provinces and Nizam State, did not
escape
the attention of the members of OGA. While Education committee went
into
slumber, a Municipal Committee named as “Osmania Baldia Jamat” was
created,
with the active leadership of Sri. Ahmed Ali Khan (who later became
an M.L.A
and subsequently a minister). This committee took active part in
Municipal
matters, fought the first two Municipal Elections of Hyderabad city
in 1934
and captured 9 out of 12 seats, against communal organisations. In
the next
elections it won 10 out of 13 seats. In the functioning of the
business
sessions of the Hyderabad Municipality, the elected members of OGA
established healthy and progressive traditions and conventions. The
Political Committee disassociated itself from O.G.A became a
Political
Party. However, the party had any follower because politics, liberal
or
communal, posed a threat to the security of participants. Further,
graduates
from Osmania University were absorbed in government services.
Consequently,
the small strength in the Political Committee could not withstand
the strain
and influence of communal politics. Having survived up to 1947, the
group
could not withstand the avalanche of partition and Razakar Movement
and went
out of existence.
Till 1957, the OGA organised about 25 conferences and passed a
number of
resolutions stressing the need for immediate industrialisation of
the state
and increase in educational facilities. Its concerted efforts for a
state
sponsored bank impressed the Nizam Government. Thus, the State Bank
of
Hyderabad was founded in 1942. The OGA with pride claims a share of
credit
for the establishment of this Bank and few industrial concerns
started
during this period.
In early fifties there was a move to transfer Osmania University to
the
Central Government or convert it University into a Hindi University.
On both
these issues OGA passed resolution in the symposium on Osmania
University
and the graduates, expressing their concern on the idea, suggested
the
establishment of separate universities on those lines without
disturbing the
status of the Osmania University. OGA succeeded in its efforts to
retain
English Medium for Osmania University.
In the 1950s, it was realised that the Osmania University graduates
were not
given adequate representation in government services. A
representation was
given to the government which gave sympathetic consideration. Again
it was
realised that the Osmania graduates were logging behind in All India
competitive examinations. Therefore, I.A.S. coaching classes by
conducted by
the OGA for some time. The OGA succeeded in pursuing the U.P.S.C. to
make
Hyderabad as one of the centres for its All India competitive
examination.
The OGA also submitted its views to the Law commission, appointed by
Hyderabad State Government, a number of suggestions, which were
accepted by
the commission.
In the sixties, Osmania Graduates' Association successfully mobilised
public
opinion for representation of Osmania Graduates by carving out
Osmania
Graduates constituency in the composition of the senate of Osmania
University. This arrangement remained for a decade or so. At this
juncture
the emphasis of OGA had shifted from multidirectional activities to
unidirectional i.e. towards the development of education in the
region
preferring women’s education. As a result, the association started
many
colleges.
After 1960s, the activities of OGA were radically changed under the
leadership of a great man of vision and foresight Sri. Shankarji. He
later
became chairman of Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission. His
emphasis on
education in general, and for women in particular, led to the
establishment
of many educational institutions. The sister organisation,
Exhibition
Society has been a main funding source to all educational
institutions
sponsored by OGA and Exhibition Society and Economic Committee. The
total
number of students in these institution today which include, a high
school,
intermediate, Degree and Postgraduate colleges, Polytechnics, ITIs
and an
Engineering college, is around 30,000 and nearly 2000 staff working
in these
institutions.
1960 has a great significance in the annals of Osmania Graduates’
Association. Doyen Sri. Shankarji successfully mobilised opinion to
give a
new direction and dimension to the educational activity. A casual
remark/observation during an off-hand discussion snow balled into a
courageous decision to start a degree college for women in
Hyderabad. This
was a turning point in the progressive history of OGA with a long
term
objective to enter the field of higher education. The decision to
start a
college for girls was openly welcomed with great sublimation. Thus,
came
into existence, Vanita Maha Vidyalaya in 1960 on the exhibition
grounds,
which was subsequently renamed as Sarojini Naidu Vanita Maha
Vidyalaya. The
college started as a junior college and in the third year, degree
classes
were added. Since 1965, it is a composite college, where
intermediate and
degree classes run under one roof and one administration and one
Principal.
It offers courses in Arts, Commerce and Science. After the Silver
Jubilee,
new advanced courses were sponsored and today, in the new
millennium,
postgraduate self-financed courses like M.A., M.Sc., and M.B.A on
the hand,
and research Labs for doctoral and post-doctoral research the other
are
launched. The cumulative effect of sacrifice, dedication and
jurisdiction of
Osmania University. The University Grants Commission assisted the
construction of the girls’ Hostel by sanctioning grants for the
purpose.
Admission by girls from the adjoining rural areas is sought with
keen
competition.
The college has a magnificent building situated on the Exhibition
Grounds.
It is worthwhile to mention here that the foundation stone of the
college
building was laid by the Veteran Freedom Fighter Khan Abdul Gaffar
Khan in
1969 The next educational institution started in pursuit of the
lofty aims
of spreading higher education was Kamala Nehru Polytechnic for Women
by the
Exhibition Society in the year 1961. This Institution attracted the
attention of the entire country as it was first Polytechnic College
for
Women. This Polytechnic College imparts education in a dozen Diploma
Courses.
Once again the Exhibition Society took initiative to start a high
school for
girls in 1969. This was named as Shankar Memorial High School in
1974. It
has acquired good reputation, which reflected through the strength
of the
students which is on the threshold of 1000. It is located on the
Exhibition
Grounds.
Climbing high to realise the aim of spreading higher education,
Sardar Patel
College of Arts , Commerce and Science was sponsored by OGA in 1970.
Today
it has established itself as one of the best centres for BA, B.Sc.
and B.Com
with strong emphasis on computer Education. Recently computer
application
courses have been sponsored with well-equipped computer labs and
more than
250 computers. The college is situated in Padmarao Nagar,
Secunderabad.
In the early 70s a new dimensions of spreading higher education in
less
developed areas of Telangana was visualised. Very serious and hectic
exchange of views and discussions resulted in emergence of Lal
Bahadur
College in Warangal in 1970. Initially B.A., B.Sc. and B.Com.
Courses were
offered in a very modest establishment. Today, after 40 years, the
college
has big campus of 25 acres of land with majestic building which has
become a
matter of envy to other educational institutions. Particular mention
has to
be need of its science, computer laboratories and the general
reference
library. The college campus is situated between Hanamkonda and
Warangal.
With the successful establishment of Lal Bahadur College, the OGA
was
enthused to survey the other less developed areas. (Educationally,
socially
and economically) to start a new college, in rural areas of the
Telangana
Region. The result of this exercise was materialised in 1971 as Sri.
Venkateshwara College at Suryapet, Nalgonda District. A unique
aspect of
this college was that it was the first Co-education College in a
rural area
offering B.A, B.Sc. and B.Com courses.
It has campus of 80 acres of land donate by a local philanthropist
Sri.
Amarvadi Venkata Narsaiah. It is the first college to offer the
subject of
Electronics at an under-graduate level. The college has an expansive
three
storied structure with grounds and facilities for sports and
physical
education. It is a land mark in the educational map of Nalgonda
District. In
tune with the thrust in the field of higher education, the
Exhibition
Society started in 1972, the central institute of commerce imparting
vocational courses in commercial practices with more emphasis on
accounting,
auditing, shorthand and typewriting. Recently computer education has
been
introduced. The institute is located in its own premises at Tarnaka
in
Secunderabad. The year 1973 is indeed memorable in the history of
educational development under OGA banner. In one year two colleges
were
started. Kasturba Gandhi College for women was set up in 1973 at
Maredpally,
Secunderabad. It has made phenomenal progress both in Assets,
student’s
strength and number of courses. Initially a composite college,
Junior and
Degree College’s today function independently in the same campus in
independent buildings. Post Graduate Courses have been added
subsequently
and the degree college came to be re-named as Kasturba Gandhi Degree
and PG
College for women.
One more spot in Nalgonda District was identified and the decision
to start
a new college in Bhongir was taken. The Sri. Lakshmi Narasimha swamy
college,
Bhongir, offers B.A, B.Sc. B.Com and two restructured courses-
office
management in B.A and Applied Nutrition in B.Sc. Meanwhile, the
Economic
committee and the Exhibition Society, sister concerns of Osmania
Graduates
Association started an ITI named Visweswaraiah IT in Tarnaka. This
was the
first institution started with the initiation of Economic Committee.
The ITI
later came to be re-named as ITCs. Similarly the Ravi Narayana Reddy
Industrial Training Centre in Halia in Nalgonda District and Rajiv
Gandhi
Industrial Training Centre in Nirmal, Adilabad District were
started.
In 1994, under the initiation of Sri. K. Ramireddy, then the
President,
Exhibition Society, OGA, started another Degree College at
Kulkacherla in
Ranga Reddy District. The college, initially , offered B.A. and
B.Com
Courses, and added intermediate subsequently. In 1998, the
Exhibition
Society started Sri. Venkateshwara Engineering College in Suryapet in
the SVS
Campus. It is affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Technological
University,
Hyderabad.
It was long felt desire of Osmania Graduates' Association to
establish
Teacher Education Institutions. Two decades ago a resolution was
passed to
start Colleges of Education at different centres in Telangana
region. Though
it was late but in the year 2000 in the management of OGA took a
firm
decision to start the long cherished dream of starting colleges of
education
at Pargi, R.R. District, Kalwakurthy, Mahaboob Nagar and Warangal
districts
with financial support from the Exhibition Society. Accordingly the
Osmania
Graduates’ Association has started three colleges. The OGA & E.S
College of
Education at Pargi, L.B College of Education at Warangal were
started during
the academic year 2002-2003. The Bhramaramba Mallikarjun Swamy
College of
Education at Kalwakurthy was started in the academic year 2003-2004,
followed by the establishment of the J.V. Narsing Rao Memorial Vidya
Niketan
School at Nirmal in Adilabad District in 2004.
The Osmania Graduates’ Association, since its beginning is doing its
best
for the development of education in Telangana Region. The financial
help
from its sister organization i.e., Exhibition Society stood as a
great
source for all these activities of the association. This
organisation
together created history in the jurisdiction of Osmania University,
for
which all the Osmania associated with these activities should feel
proud and
others should emulate them in the years to come.