Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 23: The Shri Amar Kshatriya (Rajput) Sabha, J&K (UT), organised celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir on September 23 to mark the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh, with large numbers of people from different sections of society participating in the programmes. The celebrations were held with enthusiasm and traditional fervour at various places across the Union Territory. Havans were performed and Ahuties offered amid chanting of mantras and Vedic hymns. Participants also raised slogans in memory of Maharaja Hari Singh.
The Sabha said Maharaja Hari Singh's birth anniversary provides an occasion to remember him not only as the last Maharaja of the erstwhile State of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh but also as a ruler who worked for the welfare of the people and introduced several social and administrative reforms.
The Sabha highlighted a number of reforms attributed to Maharaja Hari Singh's reign, including removal of untouchability and opening temples to people belonging to all castes. It also referred to compulsory education for children up to the age of 14 years, introduction of the Widow Remarriage Act and a ban on smoking among children.
The Sabha further stated that democratic institutions were established during his reign, including a Constituent Assembly, while several welfare measures were introduced. It also stated that free medical treatment was provided in State hospitals. The speakers quoted Maharaja Hari Singh as saying that he had no religion and that his religion was "justice for all."
The Rajput Sabha also recalled the establishment of J&K Bank during Maharaja Hari Singh's reign. It described the signing of the Instrument of Accession with India on October 26, 1947 as one of his significant decisions, stating that the erstwhile J&K State thereafter became part of independent India.
The celebrations were not confined to one particular location. The Sabha listed programmes organised in several districts and areas, including Ramban, Sunderbani in Rajouri, Samba, Panthel in Reasi, Kathua, Billawar, Udhampur, Jindrah and R.S. Pura.
In Ramban, Dr. Jitendra Singh was the chief guest, while the function was presided over by Kr. Naryan Singh, Chairman, Shri Amar Kshatriya (Rajput) Sabha, J&K (UT), Jammu. Sher Singh Rana of Uttarakhand was the State Guest of Honour and MLA Ramban Arjun Singh Raju was the Guest of Honour. The function was also blessed by Mahamandaleshwar Mahant Shri Romeshware Dass Ji and Mahamandaleshwar Shri Swami Akshra Nand Ji Maharaj.
At Sunderbani in Rajouri district, Shri Jagdish Singh, Vice President of the Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha, Jammu, was the chief guest. Wakil Singh, Capt. Swaran Singh (Vir Chakra) and Sukhdev Singh were the Guests of Honour, while Parshotam Singh was the Sabha president at the event.
In Samba, former Minister and MLA Samba Surjit Singh Slathia attended as chief guest. Deputy Commissioner Samba Ayushi Soodan and SSP Samba Anuj Kumar were the Guests of Honour. Mangleshwar Singh Slathia, General Secretary of the Central Sabha, was also present, while Amardeep Singh, President of the Shri Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha, Samba, was in charge of the function. Mohinder Singh, former Chairman of the Cooperative Bank, J&K, and Capt. Inder Singh, Chairman of the Rajput Sabha, Samba, were among the special guests.
At Panthel in Reasi district, retired JKAS officer Mubarkh Singh was the chief guest. Bishan Singh, President of the Shri Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha, J&K (UT), Jammu, and Ajay Kumar Singh, President of ABRSM at Central University of Jammu and former Director for Central Comparative Religions and Civilisation at the university, were listed as Guests of Honour. Narinder Singh served as secretary/administrator of the function. |
