Dear Editor,
The erstwhile state of J&K has been blessed to have experienced the leadership of Maharaja Hari Singh ji, the last and the most prominent ruler of J&K and his famous quote “Justice is my religion” itself speaks a lot about him. Maharaja Hari Singh – the real hero of the nation was the fourth and the last dogra ruler of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, now a Union Territory. Maharaja Hari Singh was a great visionary and forward thinking ruler, who brought about sweeping social reforms to uplift widows, girl children, dalits, farmers and society at large. His achievements in the fields of building flood channels, irrigation, wildlife and environmental protection, local industry, healthcare, education are unparalled. Maharaja Hari Singh was so farsighted that he decided to annex Jammu & Kashmir with India for the welfare of the general public. He knew that India is the country where people have ability to prosper in every respect, live peacefully and extend brotherhood to people of all the religions. He was a true nationalist and is a hero and role model for lakhs of people in J&K who draw inspiration from him even today. Thus in order to honour the sentiments and aspirations of the people of J&K, the LG administration has rightly announced a public holiday in J&K UT this year on 23rd September & that will be a fitting tribute to Maharaja Hari Singh’s rich legacy. Declaration of a public holiday on the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh in J&K UT has been welcomed by almost everyone and it is really a bold step taken by the Honorable LG. In a nut shell, it can be said that Maharaja Hari Singh was a great educationist, progressive thinker, social reformer and a towering man of ideas and ideals.
Vivek Koul,
Gole Gujral, Jammu.