Mr.Narendra Luther
Former Chief Secretary of A.P

The doyen researcher of the administrative, literary, physical, and geophysical history of Hyderabad, Mr. Narendra Luther (former Chief Secretary of A.P) speaks to khoj on the occasion of the inauguration of his latest work on the city “The Nocturnal Court” (slated for release on March 16.)
His cultural contribution to the city includes the introduction of Sound and Light Program at the famed Golkonda Fort.   

                     

How did your fascination with Hyderabad History start?
Entered into this historical city in the year 1957. Mild monsoon, light summer weather (at that time) welcomed me to this wonderful city of surprises.
Unlike other cities the city has diversity in varied factors yet completely merged and has a distinct culture of its own.
This uniqueness made me feel at home and even now (after 47 years) the feeling remains the same.
Kumud Bin Joshi the Governor of Andhra Pradesh (in 1991) suggested me to write a book in connection with the Fourth Centenary Celebrations of Hyderabad city.
That made me to investigate into the city’s history, resulted in ‘The Memoirs of the city’ (Prince, Poet, Lover & Builder of this great city) ‘MD Quli Qutub Shah’. In 1997 Devipriya translated it into Telugu. The book has been translated into Urdu in 1998.

What really pushed you to write storybooks?
I feel uneasy if I am not writing. I feel that it keeps my mind alert & also physical circulation.
I was interested in Urdu poetry & literature from the beginning. My first Urdu book was published in 1962. Besides ‘The Memoirs of the city’ my contribution in this field include ‘Wit & wisdom’-1988 (Humorous Quotes and Quips), The Nizam Who was Not ‘Backward history of India’ 2002, Cities of India, Jewels of Nizam.
‘Nocturnal court’ to be released on March 16. This refers to the life of a prince Mouzamjah (1931-37) who married princess Niloufer and how the feudal system functioned.

Something regarding your fascination for Rocks.
Another distinct feature of the Hyderabad City is that of its versatile landscape. Rocks of the city are very ancient 2,500 million-year old.
Heritage is classified into Geo physical heritage and physical heritage.So rocks constitute an important source in the Geo physical heritage.

Enlighten us on your recent book on Raja Deen Dayal?

If a Nobel Prize is constituted for photography, Raja Deen Dayal will be the first person to receive that. His pictures reflect a rare combination of Art & culture.

He is the India’s greatest photographer who documented the country in more than 250 rare pictures. He was the person who carried the camera on a bullock cart. Appointed as an official photographer to the Nizam. His pictures are found more in abroad than in India.

I made an attempt to illustrate his artistic greatness in my work.

Was it adventurous when you made your effort to write the book , i.e meeting the people conducting research, documents etc.?

Yes definitely.

Is it true that Jackie Kennedy visited Hyderabad after seeing his photographs in a US exhibition?

Yes, Raja Deendayal’s pictures made her include Hyderabad in her visit to India.

Do you feel that the Hyderabadis are conscious of their History?

Like everywhere else some are conscious some are not.

Are you happy with the way the historical monuments are maintained in Hyderabad?
Not much, a lot of treasure is to be saved before it becomes extinct or just disappears. Inadequate finances were provided. Both men & rocks are important. We should try to live with the nature but not destroy it to live.

Are you satisfied with the books written or you want to write more about the history?
Hyderabad is a place of hidden treasures and surprises and a lot of treasures are yet to be explored. I would like to bring in some more hidden treasures into limelight.

As an expert in the physical, geophysical and administrative history of Hyderabad how do you rate the development of the city in the recent years?

The city experienced tremendous development. Improvement in the infrastructure increases the awareness among the people.Development should be a sustained activity, not like a flash in the pan.

How about converting the city into a Sports capital of India?
It is wonderful idea indeed. The entire country is lagging behind in this arena. First of all we have to develop the infrastructure facilities. It is not just encouraging Sania Mirza by giving her all the benefits, but create congenial atmosphere to allow many more Sania’s and VVS Laxmans to come out.

As a member for the preparation of Vision 2020 of the Government of AP do you feel small states strive for development?
There is no hard and fast rule that only large states develop, for instance in the north we had witnessed tremendous development when the some of the Hindi-speaking states are bifurcated.
Any way quality of life has to be improved and then development has its full manifestation.
Developmental strategies should be planned in such a way as to reach even the remotest and the backward areas.

Message to khojhyderabad
Definitely Hyderabad is on the positive move that indicates you can do any thing in the life, if u work hard and nothing is impossible to achieve in this earth.


                                                             

-- Jhansi Paladugu