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| Kashmir is my inspiration: Sinha | | At farewell dinner, Guv, CM compete in praising each other | | Early Times Reporter
Jammu | June 20
'Time has come to hang my boots’ –these were perhaps the parting words of the outgoing Governor Lt Gen SK Sinha who described Kashmir as place prolonging his life and offering inspiration.
Gen Sinha struck a chord of emotion at a farewell dinner hosted in his honour by the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in summer capital last evening. Interestingly, the Chief Minister and the Governor, who enjoyed exceptionally cordial relations, showered praises at each other even as leader of opposition Abdul Rahim Rather described Gen Sinha as peoples’ Governor.
Saying that "it was an overwhelming and touching moment to say farewell to a place and people with whom he had been associated for six decades”, Gen Sinha remarked, "time has come for me to hang up my boots".
He described Kashmir as panacea for his life and fondly recalled his association with the Valley ever since 1947. He attributed his keenness of history to his stay in Kashmir and said he utilized his years on mountains in the Valley in study, adding he developed his knowledge of history through Kashmir. He said those early days were very difficult as no transistors or helicopters were available and he spent most of the time in pickets in different parts of Kashmir.
Referring to Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad, General Sinha talked about his experience of dealing with two heads of governments in Jammu & Kashmir, one of whom, he said, was a generation ahead of him while he was himself a generation ahead of the other. He said as an army officer with General Cariappa, he had occasion to meet the Sheikh several times in 1948. He said the Sheikh was a great personality of the country and very kindly disposed towards him. Referring to Azad, he said in the latest phase of his career he had to deal with another Chief Minister of great national repute and described his relationship with him as very cordial and warm.
The Governor also mentioned about his interactions with the last maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir, Hari Singh, in the early days of 1948 at the tactical headquarters of the army, now the official residence of the State Chief Minister in Jammu. He said the maharaja was fond of the army and wore the uniform of Kashmir army as its General and also of the Indian army as its honourary Lt. General. He said he shared special and cordial relations with the leader of the opposition, Abdur Rahim Rather and felt at ease both with the ruling and the opposition party.
General Sinha lauded the role of army in the State saying it had been performing a commendable job here. He said he wanted to project it in the right perspective and influenced the construction of a museum at the Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar to showcase the army's services in the State. He also praised the J&K Police for its excellent role and said it was the only force to have been awarded colours by the President of India. Calling himself as a policeman by birth and soldier by profession, he said he felt proud of both army and the State police in Jammu & Kashmir.
Earlier, the Chief Minister said that he was highly impressed by the personality of General Sinha who had a remarkable memory and amazing knowledge of history. He said he had heard about several events of that crucial period of Kashmir history around 1947 from him. He said he felt envious of the perfect eye sight of the Governor who did not use spectacles even at an advanced age.
The Chief Minister complimented the Governor for his keen interest in the development of education in the State and said convocations of various universities held during his tenure were far more than held during the past several decades. He said as Chancellor, he was intensely involved with the day to day affairs of the universities. He said he received parental affection from the Sinha couple and praised the Governor for his contribution towards maintaining law and order and civil and army liaison in J&K.
The Chief Minister presented a memento to the outgoing Governor as a mark of love from the people of the State. Mrs. Shameem Azad, wife of the Chief Minister, also presented a memento to the Lady Governor, Premini Sinha.
On this occasion, former Governor and President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Dr. Karan Singh and leader of the opposition in the State assembly, Abdur Rahim Rather also spoke highly of General Sinha. Dr. Singh said that the Governor had brought erudition and maturity to a highly difficult assignment in the State. He said Sinha was a distinguished soldier, ambassador and governor and hoped that the people of J&K would continue to benefit from his wisdom.
Rather said that Governor Sinha was a person of great qualities who did not remain confined to the Raj Bhawan but went to the people especially when they were confronted with calamities like the snow tsunami and the devastating earthquake. He said he was the first person to arrive at the site of the calamity on both the occasions. He said the Governor was open to reason and praised his art of oratory, saying "when he speaks, one wishes that he goes on and on'. He said he looked at him with great respect.
The Chief Secretary, S. S. Kapur who conducted the proceedings of the function, said that the State had been benefited by his guidance and intellect. He said the Governor was committed to the larger cause of the public good. He said anybody in his company was benefited from his experience and knowledge. He said as student he would read his articles and was highly impressed by his sense of history. |
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