Excelsior Correspondent
The first autobiography in Dogri of Lala Mulk Raj Saraf, “Father of Journalism” in Jammu and Kashmir, will be formally released by the Congress veteran and former Sadar-e-Riayast, Dr Karan Singh, at a function being jointly organised by the Press Club of Jammu and Dogri Sanstha at the Police Auditorium here on Monday (October 23).
“Ek Journalist Di Atamkatha Mulk Raj Saraf 1894-1989” was yet another first to the credit of the State’s pioneer journalist. He was also the author of the first and so far the only biography in the Dogri language of “Sher-e-Duggar” Lala Hans Raj Mahajan in 1968. His autobiography records his struggle in bringing out the State’s first newspaper “Ranbir” in 1924 apart from his great democratic fervour and the role in the establishment of premier institutions like the Jammu and Kashmir Bank.
His autobiography “Fifty Years as a Journalist” in English made its debut in 1967. The Dogri version made possible by his son Ved Rahi, a well-known Bollywood personality and a Hindi, Urdu and Dogri writer of repute, goes beyond the mere translation of the original as it also records biographical account of Lala Mulk Raj Saraf’s numerous activities as a journalist and a public figure from 1967 till his death in 1989. His autobiography has been described as “a saga in journalism dating back to the times when applying for permission to bring out a newspaper was looked upon as an act against the State.”
Incidentally, Dr Karan Singh — his own numerous achievements include serious writing — who would launch the first Dogri autobiography, had written introduction of the original English version: “Lala Mulk Raj Saraf is the pioneer of journalism in Jammu and Kashmir and Founder-Editor of the Ranbir, which was the first newspaper in this State. After a long and rich career he has put down his reminiscences covering people and events over the last half century. A great deal has happened in this State during this period, and it is very interesting to see this panoramic vision through the eyes of Shri Saraf. His book throws interesting light upon many faces of contemporary history and I commend the veteran journalist on his Autobiography.” In a subsequent tribute, Dr Singh described him as “a beacon light for the young journalists.”
The leaders whether in politics or the other spheres of life thought high of him as would be evident from the following observations of some of them:
Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah: “The Ranbir has been leader of thought in many matters and I testify that many dreams it has dreamt have come true.”
Prem Nath Dogra: “From its very inception the Ranbir has been a great supporter of the rights of the people irrespective of religion, caste or region. Spirit of sacrifice and selflessness has brought the Ranbir in the forefront of the best newspapers in the country.”
N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, former “Prime Minister” of Jammu and Kashmir: “I remember reading the Ranbir regularly when I was in Kashmir. Its outlook was progressive throughout and, while it gave expression to fairly strong criticism, it was not afraid of supporting those in authority when it felt that they were in the right.”
Dr Siddheshwar Varma, Editor, The Great Indian Dictionary and ex-president of the Linguistic Society of India: “When generations hence the history of Jammu and Kashmir will be written, the Ranbir will certainly be characterised as one of the makers of Jammu and Kashmir. It has been said that men make history, but ideas make men. One of the fountainheads of history making ideas in the State has been the stimulating journal Ranbir.”
Sardar Budh Singh, veteran leader and reformer: “It was no ordinary task of its Editor, Lala Mulk Raj Saraf, that the Ranbir in spite of great hardships and opposition, voiced forth the feelings of the oppressed and depressed people of the State.”
I.K. Gujral, former Prime Minister: “There are few personalities in the media world who can credibly rival his dedicated innings. He firmly stood by the nation in most trying days.”
Ramanand Sagar (of “Ramayana” fame): “Lala Mulk Raj Saraf’s pen neither shivers nor slows down in defending the truth. His ‘Meri Pakistan Yatra’ is a travelogue with a difference. It takes us along the highways of brotherhood of man and through the innermost recesses of their hearts.”
Krishan Chander, famous story-writer: “Though a Saraf (jeweller), Lala Mulk Raj Saraf has cared neither for gold, nor silver. He has always believed in the golden glitter of words. I consider myself a member of the “Ranbir” family. It will not be exaggeration to say that “Ranbir” had a hand in lighting up my figure as a story-writer during my formative years in Poonch.”
R.R. Diwakar, journalist and ex-Governor: “I have commended your autobiography to my staff on ‘Samyukta Karnataka.’ It is not only a journalist’s career but a brave and conscientious fighter for the rights and privileges of journalists and citizens of India.”
Janki Nath Wazir, former Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court: “The Ranbir has had a brilliant and glorious career. The paper has strived hard to bring about communal harmony between different sects of people in this country.”
Jagmohan, former Governor: “Lala Mulk Raj Saraf set up a high standard of journalism during his long career which rightly earned him the title of ‘Father of Journalism.”
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