By Mouli MareeduConsidered a jewel in the crown of 400 years old Hyderabad, the Nizam Club has already completed 100 years and is all set to cross yet another landmark – 125 years, this week. “A hundred years in the history of any institution is a landmark; a century of growth and continued progress is a remarkable achievement.”
These words in the records of Nizam Club speak for the magnificent history of this prestigious institution. Considered to be a jewel in the crown of 400 years old Hyderabad, the Nizam Club has already completed 100 years and is all set to cross yet another landmark — 125 years, this week.
The club was established by the sixth Nizam Nawab, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Bahadur. During his period, there was only one major club in the twin cities, the Secunderabad Club, which was exclusive and almost confined to the resident Europeans. The then prime minister Mir Laiq Ali Khan Bahadur, Salar Jung-II, suggested that a club for gentlemen of status and culture, irrespective of race, religion or creed, be established. Thus, the Nizam Club came into existence on September 26, 1884. In 1885, the government sanctioned a monthly grant of Rs 100 towards rent for a suitable club building and this grant was continued till 1946.
The club was initially housed at the Abid Centre, on a site where the old GPO building was subsequently located. Later, it was shifted to premises in the present Mahboobia Girls’ School complex. The present premises opposite to the Assembly building was purchased in 1906 for a sum of Rs 30,000.
The sprawling club, spread across three acres of land, is very popular for mutton biryani, which has been famous from the days of Mughal chefs. The first president of the Club was Salar Jung-II, who continued till 1887. Since then, 24 persons served as presidents of the Nizam Club. S.A. Niamathullah and E. Rajender Prasad are the president and secretary respectively at present. The club has more than 5,000 members. The galaxy of prominent personalities among the members are Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, Legislative Assembly Speaker K.R. Suresh Reddy and Telugu Desam Party senior leader and former minister Nagam Janardhan Reddy.
“As the Club is going to celebrate its 125th anniversary, we are planning to modify various amenities for the convenience of the members,” said Rajender Prasad. He said the Club is going to have many more changes to mark the occasion — kitchen modification, conversion of the existing office to fine dining hall (Dine ‘n’ Drink), shifting of the administration office to the second floor of the main building after renovation and modernisation of the office. Also, the entire office building, including the committee room, will be air-conditioned and the latest gadgets like filling cabinets and fire proof will be arranged to keep all the records safe.
These apart, other facilities such as lift for office and fine dining, air-conditioned coffee shop, sporting complex and parking complex will be the added attraction. “We’re planning to bring out a newsletter to dissipate all kinds of information to the members soon,” Rajender told Deccan Post.
Besides, it flaunts amenities like billiards room, health club, guest rooms, spacious dining hall, swimming pool, cards zone, massive library, ladies’ gym, tennis and shuttle courts and bar, which are sure to woo the visitors. Portico, main entrance and reception veranda are the eye-catching spots in the club.
“We’re also focusing on building a parking complex, sports complex and a guest room complex with latest models. The newly planned parking complex will have three levels (tiers) where at least 380 cars can be parked. The guest room complex will also house banquet halls and conference halls,” the secretary added.
M.A. Samad, former president of the Club finds it the best place to hang around with the family members. He pays it a daily visit and says, “It’s a feel-like-home to be here.” The management is also keen on providing better facilities on the request of members. Women members do visit the club often to spend time at the health club and the gym.
I visit the club on several occasions and have a great time with my political associates. Mostly, I usually come here to have lunch during the Legislative Assembly session as it is nearby. I prefer biryani and other spicy food. The club has good infrastructure and provides better facilities to the members. It also organises cultural events every month.
These words in the records of Nizam Club speak for the magnificent history of this prestigious institution. Considered to be a jewel in the crown of 400 years old Hyderabad, the Nizam Club has already completed 100 years and is all set to cross yet another landmark — 125 years, this week.
The club was established by the sixth Nizam Nawab, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Bahadur. During his period, there was only one major club in the twin cities, the Secunderabad Club, which was exclusive and almost confined to the resident Europeans. The then prime minister Mir Laiq Ali Khan Bahadur, Salar Jung-II, suggested that a club for gentlemen of status and culture, irrespective of race, religion or creed, be established. Thus, the Nizam Club came into existence on September 26, 1884. In 1885, the government sanctioned a monthly grant of Rs 100 towards rent for a suitable club building and this grant was continued till 1946.
The club was initially housed at the Abid Centre, on a site where the old GPO building was subsequently located. Later, it was shifted to premises in the present Mahboobia Girls’ School complex. The present premises opposite to the Assembly building was purchased in 1906 for a sum of Rs 30,000.
The sprawling club, spread across three acres of land, is very popular for mutton biryani, which has been famous from the days of Mughal chefs. The first president of the Club was Salar Jung-II, who continued till 1887. Since then, 24 persons served as presidents of the Nizam Club. S.A. Niamathullah and E. Rajender Prasad are the president and secretary respectively at present. The club has more than 5,000 members. The galaxy of prominent personalities among the members are Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, Legislative Assembly Speaker K.R. Suresh Reddy and Telugu Desam Party senior leader and former minister Nagam Janardhan Reddy.
“As the Club is going to celebrate its 125th anniversary, we are planning to modify various amenities for the convenience of the members,” said Rajender Prasad. He said the Club is going to have many more changes to mark the occasion — kitchen modification, conversion of the existing office to fine dining hall (Dine ‘n’ Drink), shifting of the administration office to the second floor of the main building after renovation and modernisation of the office. Also, the entire office building, including the committee room, will be air-conditioned and the latest gadgets like filling cabinets and fire proof will be arranged to keep all the records safe.
These apart, other facilities such as lift for office and fine dining, air-conditioned coffee shop, sporting complex and parking complex will be the added attraction. “We’re planning to bring out a newsletter to dissipate all kinds of information to the members soon,” Rajender told Deccan Post.
Besides, it flaunts amenities like billiards room, health club, guest rooms, spacious dining hall, swimming pool, cards zone, massive library, ladies’ gym, tennis and shuttle courts and bar, which are sure to woo the visitors. Portico, main entrance and reception veranda are the eye-catching spots in the club.
“We’re also focusing on building a parking complex, sports complex and a guest room complex with latest models. The newly planned parking complex will have three levels (tiers) where at least 380 cars can be parked. The guest room complex will also house banquet halls and conference halls,” the secretary added.
M.A. Samad, former president of the Club finds it the best place to hang around with the family members. He pays it a daily visit and says, “It’s a feel-like-home to be here.” The management is also keen on providing better facilities on the request of members. Women members do visit the club often to spend time at the health club and the gym.
I visit the club on several occasions and have a great time with my political associates. Mostly, I usually come here to have lunch during the Legislative Assembly session as it is nearby. I prefer biryani and other spicy food. The club has good infrastructure and provides better facilities to the members. It also organises cultural events every month.
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