Ravi Rohmetra
Two years ago, Jammu lost a great visionary and a popular political leader in the shape of prof. Chaman Lal Gupta who remained professor, Industrialist, Parchark, M.L.A, M.P and Union Minister and who played a vital role in establishment of Jammu B.J.P. Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta Ji was one of the most influential enduring icons of Indian politics A multitalented leader known for delivering results in the best interest of people and society equally. Prof. Gupta left his mark with his continuous perseverance and his will to devote his entire life to public service. Despite hardships, he rose to a prime position in Jammu and Kashmir political scenario. Prof. Gupta, a respectable pillar in the Jammu society, left for heavenly abode on 18th May, 2021 at the age of 87 years. He was a strong – willed principled man who had impacted many lives over several decades and left behind a thought provoking legacy. A village near Jammu with the name Kalith (Akhnoor) has produced legendary personalities like Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta. As a tribute and remembrance we shall confine ourselves to legend Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta who’s name itself reflects the deeds of this great man. God also creates problems and sufferings to mould the illustrious individuals in such a way that they become strong and capable to face the challenges from time to time. Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta had an illustrious political career spanning over six decades after he became a member of the Jammu and Kashmir legislative Assembly for the first time in 1972. He was again a member of Jammu and Kashmir legislative Assembly between 2008 and 2014. He was elected to the 11th Lok Sabha from Udhampur constituency of Jammu in 1996 and re – elected to 12th and 13th Lok Sabha in 1998 and 1999. Chaman Lal Gupta was union Minister of state , Minister of Civil Aviation between 13 October , 1999 and 1st September 2001 , Union Minister of state (independent charge) Ministry of food processing industries (1st September 2001 to 30 June 2002) and Union Minister of state for Defence (1st July 2002 to 2004) during Atal Behari Vajpayee led NDAgovernment at centre. An author of three books in Hindi and a two – time Jammu and Kashmir Bhartiya Janta party president, he had his MSc from Allahabad University (UP). Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta had played a key role in Jammu and Kashmir politics for over 50 years. During the year 1990 militancy was at its peak. All Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave their home. And in the mean while to draw kind attention of center and country toward the Pathetic condition and burning situation of Kashmir, BJP launched National Level movement under the banner “EKTA YATRA” and hoisted National Flag at the Lal Chowk in Srinagar. He did not compromise on his political ideology till his last breath. He remained a dedicated solider of RSS with which he was associated from his student life and after relinquishing his government service in late fifties, he worked as Sangh Prachark in Gujarat for several years. Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta was the brain behind establishing of village Defence committees (VDCs) in erstwhile Doda district and other hilly reaches of Jammu region after the militants indulged in massacres in these areas to force the minorities flee from here. A staunch nationalist, Prof. Gupta also fought for the rights of Nationalist forces in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and stood like a rock against the terrorism and disruptive forces. He was also of the opinion that no package to Kashmir will be fruitful unless and until the displaced Kashmiri Pandits the aborigines of valley who were forced to migrate will be settled there with honour and dignity. Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta was also associated with social and Charitable organization and was the patron of Swami Vivekanand Medical Mission. He had also remained its president for a quite long time. Prof. Gupta will be remembered for numerous community service efforts. He was a dedicated legislatuor and strengthened the Bhartiya Janta Party across Jammu and Kashmir. He was an inspiration for all of us and a strong Pillar of the party. His demise has created a big void in Political circles of Jammu and Kashmir which will not be filled up for a long time. He would be remembered for his immense contribution towards welfare of the people , Prof. Gupta lived a simple life and served the people of Jammu and Kashmir as professor , MLA , MP and Union Minister. He as a union Minister maintained a very good rapport with the people and other political leaders across party lines. No doubt Prof. Gupta Ji is not with us but due to his selfless services for mankind his name will remain always alive in our hearts. An epitome of humanity and resilience. Prof. Gupta went on to become one of the most enduring icons who dedicated his entire life in the service of the people. Prof. Gupta Sahib will always be remembered as a gentlemen who endeared himself to large number of people due to his simplicity affable manners and lively and futuristic outlook dominating the political horizon of Jammu, Region for nearly five decades with magnanimity and grace. He managed to win over critics and political adversaries who approached him for guidance. His contributions would remain an inspiration for all of us for many decades.
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