K B Jandial
In today’s materialistic world, finding an individual with saintly qualities is rare, though a few people exhibit the attributes traditionally associated with sainthood even without formally being recognized as saints. Broadly, a person with such qualities is characterized by detachment from materialistic values and superficial status symbols. They embody dedication and commitment to a higher cause, maintain sincerity, integrity, kindness, and are helpful, tolerant, peaceful, and forgiving. Such individuals possess emotional stability, managing their inner and outward emotions consistently. These qualities are rare, but when people with them succeed in serving humanity selflessly, they stand out for their principled conduct, as reflected through their actions, public discourses, and writings.
Dr. Ram Rattan Khajuria exemplifies this saintly persona. Born on October 4, 1933, in the village of Kuta in Kathua, he was raised in a reputable family dedicated to public service. His father, Shri Munshi Ram, was an Overseer in PWD while his grandfather was Tehsildar. He was named after his eldest sister Smt Ratni Devi, wife of veteran Jana Sangh leader & MP, Vaid Vaishno Dutt. He spent most of his life in Chand Nagar, where his father built a family home. He completed his initial education at GGM Science College, Jammu, and went on to complete a degree in Veterinary Science from Mathura Veterinary College, Agra University, in 1958. His career in the Govt began with an appointment as Veterinary Assistant Surgeon in the Animal Husbandry Department. Furthering his education, he completed a master’s degree in dairy science in 1963 and, later, a Ph.D. from the National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. He had a brilliant career as veterinary Doctor which culminated as the Managing Director of Milk Federation, Jammu from where he superannuated.
Known for his honesty and integrity, Dr. Khajuria’s career was marked by unwavering adherence to his principles. During his tenure at the Milk Supply Scheme, he faced persistent pressure from the top brass who expected free access to high-quality milk supplies. But he remained firm, refusing to comply with these demands, even at the risk of professional repercussions. When summoned by the staff of the Chief Minister & the head of the judiciary and presented before their wives, he responded candidly, insisting that all recipients pay for the milk, even though arrangements were made for supply of milk directly from a Govt Cattle Farm, Belicharana. His forthrightness earned him both respect and acceptance among all.
Dr. Khajuria was also known for his discipline and strong ethical code, even when interacting with political leaders. On one occasion, when the Speaker of the Assembly arrived two hours late to an event organized by his NGO, Vichar Kranti Manch, Dr. Khajuria welcomed him warmly but did not hesitate to tell him plainly, “Sir, ours is a social Organisation with focus on moral, ethical & spiritual values and punctuality, commitment, discipline are part of the values we hold. I regret to submit that your coming late has put the people in the audience at great inconvenience.” The Speaker was embarrassed at being insulted in front of the public. At the function, the VIP spoke high about the NGO and assured financial help for the NGO from the State Govt. But Dr. Khajuria politely declined it, saying that if ever he wanted to help the NGO, he should prevail upon the CM to introduce moral, ethical, spiritual & yoga education as a compulsory subject in Schools.
Religiously, Ram Rattan was influenced by Om Sadhana and started reciting Om in pure form instead of reciting OM in combination with other God & Goddesses. This practice marked a significant turn in his spiritual journey. With his unflinching faith in Lord OM, he treaded the path to attain spiritual goal. Seeking spiritual guidance, he visited several ashrams in Haridwar and Rishikesh before finally finding his mentor, Swami Vasudha Chaitanya Brahmachari (Talab Tillo), who bestowed upon him a sacred mantra. Committed to a rigorous spiritual regimen, he observed fasts(vrat) and silence (moun) during Navaratras and, earlier, on Fridays, dedicating himself to meditation and reflection. With his daily meditation and prayers, he successfully shed himself of all ‘vikars’ like kaam, krodh, lobh, Moh Maya, Mamta, ahankara and purified his mind and intellect along with controlling five karmas, five ‘gyanindriyan’ and worldly desires. This led to an inner contentment expressed through his joyous participation in devotional singing and dancing. Through this practice, he achieved a state of mental and spiritual purity, shedding vices such as anger, lust, and attachment to materialism.
One of Dr. Khajuria’s unique approaches to self-improvement was his method for managing anger ( Krodh). He imposed upon himself a personal fine of Rs 500 for any instance of anger, whether justified or not, to be paid to the person affected by his temper with apology. This gesture of apology and restitution is a rare practice, highlighting his deep commitment to self-discipline and humility. Never heard of such things in this world!
During his service, Dr. Ram Rattan Khajuria dedicated time to help underprivileged youth, especially those with disabilities and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. A true “karmayogi,” he viewed real service as uplifting the downtrodden and physically challenged. To further this mission, he launched about a dozen NGOs, employing a unique model of leadership. He would serve as the President during the NGO’s initial phase, then pass the leadership to a trusted member once the organization was stable. This approach, as he shared with his elder son Dr. Bhupesh Khajuria, was to prevent monopolization and encourage shared responsibility within the community.
The Jammu & Kashmir Samaj Kalyan Kendra was his first NGO, set up on May 22, 1980. Initially he had established a clinic to treat deaf & dumb children. Later, he established a School for them which was inaugurated by Begum Sheikh Abdullah. Dr. Khajuria remained its President for initial three terms from June 1980 to January 1993. Before his death he had been thankful to his brother-in-law, Dr Prem Sharma for shouldering responsibility for establishing this NGO. He had been speaking about the contributions made by Sh Daya Sagar Sharma, his two brothers-late Shri Sat Pal Khajuria, Shri Inderjeet Khajuria; Shri S C Sharma, Shri Manohar Jain, Shri Tilak Raj Sharma.
The School has grown manifold and is providing free education to over 110 divyang students. For the last eight years the school has been getting cent percent results with many getting distinctions in all J&K BOSE conducted examinations. The membership of the SKK has expanded to about a hundred which include former Chief Secretary Shri B R Sharma, former CVC & DGP Shri Kuldeep Khoda, former DGP Dr Ashok Bhan, Shri S. S. Wazir, former ADGP, Dr Sudharshan KumAar, former DG, DRDO, Shri Vinod Padha, former Executive Director NTPC, several other IPS and IPS officers as its life members and guiding the NGO & the school towards excellence. Shri J K Vaid, former Director GSI is its General Secretary since October 2006.
The other NGO he had launched included Sawera for slum children at Channi Himmat. It adopted 30 villages from Bajalta to Surinsar. The Vichar Kranti Manch International is the last NGO established by him. The other organisations he had either created or was closely associated with included International Human Rights Protection Council, J&K Consumer Welfare Association, KushtNivaran Society, Bhagwati Nagar, J&K Confederation of Voluntary, Social & Charitable Organisations etc.
Dr. Khajuria’s selflessness extended to his personal image. Adopting a modest appearance of a long beard and kurta-pajama, he took on a saintly profile, consistent with his life of service. He remained detached from personal recognition, focusing solely on the welfare of others. His commitment to uplifting the disabled and marginalized was unwavering, and he shunned any public acclaim for his extraordinary contributions. On his 91st birthday on 4th October, 2024, I was able to fulfil my commitment to install his statue ( bust) in the School premises. While Dr. Khajuria deserved much more but, at least, the memorial serves as a tribute to his selflessness and dedication to helping those with disabilities, creating ongoing awareness of his legacy.
At this function, Dr Ashok Bhan, former DGP and Life Member of SKK called him “Vinobha Bhave of Jammu”. His profile, struggle for welfare of downtrodden & have-nots’ detachment from worldly affairs and taking sanyas literally favourably compare him with Vinobha Bhave. He was an embodiment of unparalleled selflessness, humility, and commitment to the welfare of physically challenged persons and downtrodden. Like Vinobha Bhave, Dr. Ram Rattan too was a spiritual person believing in ahimsa, truth and compassion. Such noble persons are born seldom in this materialistic world.
(The author is the President of the J&K Samaj Kayan Kendra, Jammu)
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