Hyderabad, Sept. 17 -- In the run up to the days leading to the annexation of Hyderabad to India, atrocities were perpetrated by the paramilitary group Razakars on Hindus, and post annexation (called 'Operation Polo'), thousands of Muslims lost their life. The event is a painful chapter in the history of the erstwhile Hyderabad state.

The scars that were left are still difficult to erase from the minds of many families which witnessed violence. Amid all the hate and chaos that prevailed in the 1940s, there are many stories of bravery, harmony and humanism, which not many people may be aware of.

A book written in Telugu titled "1948 September Action: Gnyapakalu-Gaayalu," authored by historian Paravastu Lokeshwar chronicled such stories n...