early times report
Jammu, Sept 23: The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party Bhim today celebrated the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh with great enthusiasm and devotion. Floral tributes were offered at his statue at Tawi Bridge near Jewel by party leaders under the leadership of Vilakshan Singh, President of JKNPP Bhim.
Speaking on the occasion, Vilakshan Singh recalled the unparalleled contributions of Maharaja Hari Singh, describing him as a visionary Maharaja whose progressive outlook placed him far ahead of his times. He said that Maharaja Hari Singh was not only a social reformer but also a statesman who combined justice with compassion. It was under his reign that Jammu and Kashmir witnessed unprecedented reforms in education, social justice, and administration. He was the first ruler in the country to establish a High Court, ensured compulsory and free education for girls, promoted widow remarriage, and opened the gates of temples for the Dalits, thereby striking at the roots of untouchability.
The JKNPP Bhim President further said that Maharaja Hari Singh took bold steps in empowering farmers and protecting them from exploitation. He laid special emphasis on the expansion of education, establishing a number of schools, providing scholarships for higher studies, and building institutions. He founded the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, developed irrigation canals and flood control channels, and encouraged handicrafts, sericulture, and small industries to strengthen the local economy. His secular outlook was evident in his governance, as he treated all communities with respect and gave equal opportunities to people of all religions and castes.
While recalling his historic role during the tumultuous period of 1947, Vilakshan Singh said that it was Maharaja Hari Singh who, despite enormous challenges, signed the Instrument of Accession, thus ensuring that Jammu and Kashmir became an integral part of India.
Even in exile after 1949, his stature as a progressive and people-oriented ruler remained unmatched. The recent decision of the government to declare his birth anniversary as a public holiday is a long-awaited but fitting tribute to his enduring legacy.
Vilakshan Singh expressed concern over the challenges facing the Dogra community in the present times. He said that Dogras have a glorious history shaped by courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to justice, but in recent decades their collective strength has been weakened by divisions, neglect, and erosion of cultural values. He stressed that unity among Dogras is the need of the hour if they are to reclaim their rightful place and restore the pristine glory of their heritage.
He called upon the Dogra youth to draw inspiration from Maharaja Hari Singh’s life and dedicate themselves to education, social service, and community leadership. He urged all sections of society to rise above narrow differences and stand together in the spirit of Dogra pride and solidarity, so that the sacrifices and reforms of Maharaja Hari Singh are not only remembered but also carried forward in contemporary times.
Others who were present on the occasion included Naresh Chib, Balwan Singh, Rajesh Gondhi (State General Secretaries), Ravinder Jamwal (State Secretary), Rakesh Gupta (District President Jammu), Sanjeev Verma (District Vice President Jammu), Rajan Jamwal and several others.
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