STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The 130th birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh, the last Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, was observed on Tuesday across Jammu region, as leaders and civil society group used the occasion to renew their demand for the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory.
While tributes were paid at various functions to recall the Maharaja’s reforms and his role in the accession of J-K to India, the day also turned into a platform for many to voice their concern over the continued UT status of the region since 2019 when the centre revoked Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two UTs of J-K and Ladakh.
“We have managed to get the public holiday on the birth anniversary of our Maharaja and we will also reclaim the honour, pride and glory of his state,” a leader of the YRS said after garlanding the statue of the Dogra ruler near Tawi bridge here, marking the end of a massive motor rally taken out from Talab Tillo in the outskirts of the city.
Maharaja’s grandson and former minister Ajat Shatru Singh and leaders of various political parties also joined the rally which went through various areas of the city. The participants, wearing traditional dresses and brandishing swords, chanted slogans in praise of the Maharaja and the country.
“We want the centre to restore the statehood and honour the Dogra turban and sword,” the leader said, threatening large-scale agitation if the statehood was further delayed.
On October 26, 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession with India to repulse an attack by Pakistan army-backed tribals on Jammu and Kashmir.
Trustee of Dharmarth Trust, founded by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1846, celebrated the birth anniversary by distributing a 130 kg Laddoo.
J-K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said “tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh Ji on his Janm-Jayanti. A statesman of excellence and harbinger of change, he introduced landmark reforms to ensure welfare of the common man.
“His legacy of inclusive governance, progressive vision and contributions to the motherland continues to inspire us,” he said in a post on X.
Besides social organisations, leaders and workers of different political parties including Congress and BJP separately celebrated the Maharaja’s birthday and paid rich tributes to him.
Taking a pledge to intensify its movement for restoration of statehood, J-K Congress working president Raman Bhalla said the Maharaja brought landmark legislations to protect the land, jobs and natural resources of J-K being a hilly tourist state and enacted state subject laws which showed his far sightedness.
“Maharaja’s state was disbanded, divided and downgraded removing all safeguards for land, jobs and natural resources by the BJP government. It amounts to insulting the last Dogra ruler for which BJP should apologize to Maharaja and people of his state especially Dogras,” he said.
BJP also celebrated the birth anniversary of the Maharaja at the party headquarters here.
“We are an inseparable and proud part of the great Indian nation due to his vision and courage,” J-K BJP president Sat Sharma said, highlighting his contribution.
Simultaneously, Hindu Vahani Akhand Bharat held a vibrant tribute ceremony at its headquarters in Ghou Manhasa, Jammu. National President Rajinder Hindu, J&K President Parshotam Amit Manhas, Vice President Swami Tapan Nand Dhar, and other key office bearers, including General Secretaries from Jammu and Kashmir, gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Maharaja Hari Singh. Floral and garland tributes were offered as speakers recalled the Maharaja’s progressive policies and historic decision to accede to India by signing the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947.
Speakers highlighted the Maharaja’s reforms, particularly his decision in 1929 to open temples in Jammu & Kashmir to Dalits, showcasing his inclusive and reformist vision. Chief Spokesperson Mreegank Manhas and other team members praised the Maharaja for his administrative foresight and socio-economic policies, which laid the foundation for a modern Jammu & Kashmir.
In another heartfelt tribute, the Dogra Sadar Sabha (DSS) celebrated Maharaja Hari Singh’s 130th birth anniversary under the chairmanship of its officiating President, Col Karan Singh. Floral tributes were paid on behalf of DSS President Th. Gulchain Singh Charak, who was out of station. Speakers remembered Maharaja Hari Singh as a secular, fair, and compassionate ruler who safeguarded the interests of all communities under his reign.
Prominent members present included Advocate H.C. Jalmaria, G.A. Khwaja, Arvinder Singh Amn, Brigadier M.S. Jamwal, Col. Dr. Virendra Kumar Sahi VrC, Jagmohan Sharma, Ravi Singh, Rajinder Gupta, and Pawan Sharma.
Asha Kiran Welfare Society offered floral tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh on his 130th Birth Anniversary. The Society held a meeting of its Executive Members and Councilors in the Office in Janipur Colony. Flowers were offered on Maharaja Hari Singh portrait by Dr. J.P. Gupta, Chairman, Dr. Vikrant Sharma, President, Kamal Netar Gupta, General Secretary, other Executive Members and Councilors. Sudesh Kumar Sharma, Advocate J&K High Court, was also present as Special Invitee.
On this occasion Dr. J.P. Gupta and Dr. Vikrant Sharma threw a detailed light on the life history of Maharaja visa-vis various social reforms was initiated for the well being of general public of the state during his regime which included ban on Sati-pratha, Child-marriage, Un-touchability, Smoking/Tobacco use by young students, improving education system, health services and banking system.
He also abolished beggary curse and provided reservation to the poor and the backward sections of the society and provided freedom to the Press Media.
He made the accession of princely J&K State with Govt. of India on 26th of October 1947. Kamal Netar Gupta, General Secretary thanked all the Members for attending the ceremony.
