Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 23: After a gap of 76 years, the people of Jammu and Kashmir observed the second anniversary holiday on the birth anniversary of Dogra monarch Maharaja Hari Singh. The occasion was marked by celebrations that included cake-cutting and street festivities in various parts of the Jammu region.
Maharaja Hari Singh, who signed the Instrument of Accession with India in 1947, was commemorated on this special day. The Lieutenant Governor's administration had declared a holiday on his birth anniversary last year, marking a significant acknowledgment of his contributions to the region.
Several groups and organizations, including the All India Rajput Sabhas, Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha, All Biradria, Civil Societies from Jammu, senior leaders of Jammu Region, and activists of the Jammu-based Yuva Rajput Sabha, had been advocating for this holiday for many years. In celebration, leaders from different organizations and political parties came together for various events.
BJP leader Narinder Singh expressed his joy about the holiday, describing it as a befitting tribute to Maharaja Hari Singh. He encouraged everyone to celebrate the occasion with the same enthusiasm as Diwali. Sweets were distributed in Jammu city, and slogans like "Maharaja Hari Singh Ji Amar Rahe" (Long live Maharaja) and "Jai Duggar Jai Dogra" (Victory to Duggar society) were raised during the festivities.
Narinder Singh, a BJP State Executive Member and President of the All India Bahu Rajput Sabha, highlighted the significance of the 128th birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh, emphasizing that the entire Jammu and Kashmir region participated in the celebrations.
Notably, the holiday declaration by the Lieutenant Governor last year did not receive strong opposition or endorsement from regional parties like the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Meanwhile, in the Chammb Constituency, Khour, the people paid their tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh on his birth anniversary at their home turfs. The gathering included Panches, Sarpanches, Corporators, Municipality Chairman, along with regional and state leaders. As part of the celebrations, the park where the event was organized was renamed as "Maharaja Hari Singh Park, Khour." This gesture reflects the enduring respect and admiration for the contributions of Maharaja Hari Singh in the region's history. |
