I
Sir,
This has reference to the article “More than Hari Singh’s birthday, Accession Day merits holiday” by K B Jandial.
The author deserves kudos for writing this hugely informative piece.
I have found history of the State, always written from the angle of Kashmir. Constitution of the State is similarly coloured. So, I started looking for history written by Dogra rulers. None of the leading book shops or libraries in Jammu, could assure me of any such book. Gulabnama does not serve the purpose accurately, but Karan Singh’s autobiography did vet my appetite to a small extent. I am told Fault line Kashmir is helpful. I am looking to know the welfare actions of Dogra rulers, that were aimed specifically at Kashmir, or benefitted Kashmir.
N B Vishen
On e-mail.
II
Sir,
Apropos article written by Mr Jandial published on 2/2/2016. Maharaja Hari Singh was considering his times an enlightened, educated, just, progressive and reformist leader. We are in India because he decided in time to accede like all other princely states to India and was ousted from State regrettably by his Prime Minister in connivance with the then Prime Minister of India. A holiday in his memory in State as passed in LA is received well by the public and I fail to understand Mr Jandial’s opposition.
There was no democracy in India before 1947 and a Maharaja couldn’t be expected to preside over dissolution of his own rule. He had, however, begun public participation in governance through Praja Sabha etc. Sheikh Abdullah’s birthday is a holiday and why can’t his be? A holiday in his memory is the least the State could do to its last monarch who was wronged !
Yours etc…
Lt Col Krishan Chand (Retd)
Jammu.
III
Sir,
You have very well built up the case against the issue. To my mind it was untimely and unwarranted since it dilutes the movement for Jammu identity. If I call myself Dogra, I must be loyal to the Dugarland and fight for whatever way its identity is saved from trampling, encroachment. Holiday resolution made out to be ‘blood thicker than water’ I feel, has not been appreciated objectively.
While we have the freedom to express our views publicly but the sentiments of the public do inhibit one some way or the other before venturing into sensitive, controversial issues.
Yours etc…
Col J P Singh
Jammu
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