Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 23: The 127th birth anniversary of the last ruler of the J&K State Maharaja Hari Singh was celebrated today with great enthusiasm by the people of Jammu region. Various social and political groups organized public events to mark the day and paid tributes to the erstwhile Dogra ruler considered as a great social reformer of his time.
Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS) took out a procession in Jammu to pay rich tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh. President YRS Rajan Singh vowed to restore the dignity and honour of the ethnic Dogra of the State. Addressing the gathering, Rajan Singh said the LG Manoj Kumar Sinha had failed to declare a state holiday on the birth anniversary of the last ruler from the Dogra dynasty who had introduced many reforms in the State.
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Earlier, a motor rally, led by Rajan Singh and Rajveer Singh was taken out from Bantalab which passed through various areas of the city before culminating at the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh near main Tawi Bridge. Braving downpour, thousands of people from various parts of the Jammu province attended the rally. Rajveer Singh said it was sad that even after a resolution was passed by the Legislative Council, the popular public demand for a holiday on Hari Singh’s birth anniversary had been overlooked and declined by the Government.
Advisor to Lt Governor of J&K, Farooq Khan hailed Maharaja Hari Singh’s reforms at a function organized by Dogra Sadar Sabha to celebrate Maharaja Hari Singh’s birth anniversary as Samajik Nyaya Diwas. Speaking on the occasion, where he was the chief guest, Khan appealed people at large to work for promotion of Dogri language, culture and rich heritage of this Duggar land. Earlier, Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak, former Minister and president DSS J&K said that Maharaja Hari Singh’s declaration in his coronation speech, to provide justice to all irrespective of caste, creed or faith, was a sterling testimony to his people centric ideology and policies.
J&K High Court Bar Association Jammu celebrated birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh at the lawns of District Court Complex Jammu under the chairmanship of M K Bhardwaj, Senior Advocate and president of the Bar Association. Speaking on the occasion, Bhardwaj highlighted the contributions of Maharaja Hari Singh and also appealed the Lieutenant Governor of J&K for declaring 23rd September as Gazetted Holiday. Advocate S M P Singh Palli (vice president of the Association), Advocate Surjeet Singh Andotra (general secretary), Advocate Aditya Sharma (joint secretary) and Advocate Amandeep Singh (treasurer) were also present.
Dharmarth Trust paid glorious tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh in a simple but impressive programme held here today at Shree Raghunath ji Temple. On the occasion, Ajay Gandotra, president of the Trust along with other members paid floral tributes to the Maharaja amidst chanting of Vedic Mantras. Speaking on the occasion, Gandotra highlighted the contribution of Maharaja Hari Singh ji in socio-political and religious reforms in the erstwhile state during his rule.
While paying tributes to the Maharaja, Chairman Trustee Dr Karan Singh and Vikramaditya Singh, Ajatshatru Singh, Martand Singh and Ranvijay Singh (Trustees), in their message, urged the Government to announce a public holiday on the birth anniversary of Maharaja as a sign of respect and honour for him, without any further delay, as it is long pending demand of people of J&K as well.
Chamber of Traders Federation (CTF) paid rich tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh in a function organized today. Mayor Chander Mohan Gupta was the chief guest and Deputy Mayor Purnima Sharma was the guest of Honor. Narayan Singh (ex-president Amar Khatriya Rajput Sabha) and Zorawar Singh (chairman Team Jammu) were the special guests. Earlier a large number of Trade leaders and prominent citizens offered floral tributes to the Maharaja Sahib at Hari Singh Memorial Park. Speaking on the occasion, Neeraj Anand (president CTF), recalled the enormous contributions of the Maharaja.
The birthday celebration of Maharaja Hari Singh was also held at Maharaja Hari Singh Chowk, Sainik Colony (Jammu). Thakur Jai Singh, senior Congress leader was the organizer of the function. Corporator Gurmeet Randhawa, Corporator Gourav Chopra and Corporator Sobat Ali were guest of honour. Speaking on the occasion, Jai Singh talked about developments and reforms during Maharaja Hari Singh rule. He also reiterated the demand of gazetted holiday on Maharaja Hari Singh’s birthday in J&K.
The Youth Wing and senior leaders of NCP also celebrated birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh. While paying the rich tributes to Maharaja, Rishi Kaul Kilam, National joint secretary and spokesperson of NCP said that Maharaja Hari Singh was known for his high virtues, secular character and his achievements especially in the field of education and agriculture. He said it is surprising and ironic that the JK BJP while in power neglected Maharaja’s birthday by not declaring holiday on this day.
Akhil Bhartiya Kshatriya Mahasabha Trust (ABKMT) celebrated Maharaja’s birthday with full fervor in its Ghou Manhasa, Jammu office. Aadil Manhas (State president), Rishipal Singh Parmar (National president) and Parshotam Amit Manhas (National general secretary) highlighted the contribution Maharaja paid floral tributes to him. ABKMT team demanded Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to declare Maharaja’s birth anniversary as a public holiday in the UT.
Rich tributes were paid to last Dogra ruler at a function organized at Bahu Fort, where king size sculpture of Maharaja was installed. Rajiv Charak was the chief guest on this occasion and eminent intellectuals of the area were also present. Speaking on the occasion, Rajiv Charak highlighted various social reforms done by the late Maharaja in J&K.
A huge motorcycle rally was led by former MLA of Udhampur Balwant Singh Mankotia on the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh. The rally started from Jakheni at 10.30 am and ended there after passing through the Highway, Dhar Road. Mankotia, while speaking on this occasion, said that because of Maharaja Hari Singh every citizen of J&K is Indian today. He said the Government should respect the sentiments Duggars and declare holiday on the birthday of late Maharaja.
To mark the occasion, Sandhya Gupta, chairman of Women Club Meri Pehchaan paid floral tribute to late Maharaja. Speaking on the occasion, Sandhya Gupta and other team members including Tarul Upal and Shashi Thakur appealed the J&K Government to declare 23rd September a Government holiday as a tribute and respect to Maharaja Hari Singh.
Dogra Youth celebrated the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh, where statue of Maharaja Hari Singh is installed. Partap Singh Jamwal along with Bhanu Partap Singh Goria and other Dogra Youth activists paid rich tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh. Describing Maharaja Hari Singh as the most progressive ruler, Jamwal said that observing his birthday as state holiday would be a befitting tribute to the legendary ruler which was long overdue.
All J&K Megh Sabha celebrated birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh at Old Rehari under the president ship of Narinder Datt. Speaking on the occasion, Datt threw light on the life of great Maharaj who work for development of every community without any discrimination. He appealed LG Manoj Sinha to declare 23rd September as gazetted holiday as it is long pending demand of J&K Dogras.
Rashtrya Rajput Krni Sena, district Udhampur celebrated birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh at Tikri under the supervision of Captain Balbir Singh and State general secretary Chain Singh. Speaking on the occasion, they raised the demand of holiday on the birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh.
A public function was organized by Shri Amar Kshatryia Rajput Shakha Sabha Dili & Channihimmat Jammu at Panj Mandir Sec. 2 Channi Himmat today to celebrate the 126 th birthday of late Maharaja Hari Singh.
Th. Kalyan Singh Jamwal Gen. Secretary of the Shakha Sabha shared with the audience the major reforms which were initiated by the late Maharaja for the welfare of his subjects.
Pushpinder Singh Charak & Kulbir Singh Charak exhorted the participants to make it a people’s movement leaving aside one’s political affiliation.
R.S. Mehta & Soujanya Sharma, also spoke on the occasion & suggested that special chapters on Dogra History must be introduced in the school & college curriculum as compulsory subjects.
Raj Kumar councilor ward no 51announced that he will arrange one meeting every month in his ward to share the good work done by the Maharaja for the welfare of his people.
Zorawar Singh Jamwal, President Team Jammu urged the audience to unite for the welfare of Jammu Province. Vikram Randhawa ex MLC in his address urged all participants to share with younger generations the Dogra history.
Government College of Education (GCOE) Jammu under the patronage of the Cluster University of Jammu celebrated birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh. On the occasion, the NSS unit of the College organized a thought-provoking virtual webinar.
The program was adroitly conducted by NSS Nodal Officer Dr Shubhra Jamwal along with Prof Shapia Shameem Bhatti, Prof Sarita Dogra and Prof Seema Kumari. The resource persons for the day were Ajay Khajuria (KAS Retired), Former Director Tourism Jammu and Dr Jagmeet Kour Khajuria, Assistant Professor, Govt PG College for Women, Gandhinagar.
Speaking on the Occasion, Dr. Kulvinder Kour (Principal of GCOE) stressed that Dogra values of friendship and goodwill should always be strengthened, which would be the best tribute to Maharaja Hari Singh.
Ajay Khajuria and Dr Jagmeet Kour enlightened the participants about the life and contributions of last Dogra. Ajay Khajuria said that Maharaja always fought for socio-political and religious reforms in the State and everyone should work in this direction.
The organizing committee of the event includes Diksha Devi, Suvidha Sambyal, Samreeti Verma and Sourav Sharma. The event was wrapped up by the vote of thanks by NSS volunteer Ravinder Kumar Rao.
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