Maharaja Hari Singh’s Birth Anniversary Celebrations Resonate in Jammu, Remembering a Visionary Leader

23-09-2023 : The 128th birth anniversary of the illustrious Dogra ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, was observed with great zeal and fervor throughout the region of Jammu. This occasion brought together various political and social groups, united in their efforts to honor the memory of this prominent figure, hailed as a “great social reformer” of his era.

In a significant move, the Jammu and Kashmir administration had declared the birth anniversary of the last Dogra ruler as a public holiday last year, a decision made in response to the persistent advocacy led by the Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS). Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha himself paid heartfelt tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh, expressing his optimism that the legacy of this remarkable leader would continue to illuminate the path towards a brighter future.

“Humble tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh Ji on his Janm-Jayanti. He was a towering man of ideas & ideals, a harbinger of change, who dedicated his life to the welfare of the people & made remarkable reforms to uplift society. May his legacy continue to guide us towards a brighter future,” the Office of LG J&K posted on social media, emphasizing the enduring impact of the Maharaja’s contributions.

Ranvijay Singh, the trustee of Dharmarth Trust, established by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1846, undertook a symbolic gesture by visiting the life-size statue of Hari Singh near the main Tawi bridge in the heart of the city. He marked the birth anniversary of his great grandfather with the offering of a colossal 128 kg laddu, praying for divine guidance to follow in the Maharaja’s footsteps and ensure the prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.

The YRS activists, adorned in traditional attire, with some brandishing swords, embarked on an impressive motor rally spanning over 10 km from Bantalab to Tawi bridge. Amid resounding chants of “Maharaja Hari Singh Ji Amar Rahe” (Long live Maharaja) and “Jai Duggar Jai Dogra,” they garlanded the statue of the Maharaja, underscoring the enduring reverence for his memory.

In addition to various social organizations, leaders and workers representing different political parties, including the BJP, Congress, and the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), paid individual visits to the venue. They offered floral tributes to the Maharaja and celebrated with cake-cutting ceremonies, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums.

“Maharaja is a torch-bearer for us, and we will continue to follow his path,” declared Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina, highlighting the inspirational role that Maharaja Hari Singh continues to play in their collective consciousness. Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Vikar Rasool Wani, accompanied by fellow party leaders, also paid rich tributes to the Maharaja at Tawi bridge, while reminiscing about his significant contributions to the region as a ruler. Wani emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir had become an “integral part of India” under the Maharaja’s leadership.

However, he lamented the subsequent events, stating, “Unfortunately, the historical state that he ruled has been disbanded, divided, and downgraded, and all rights and protection to the permanent residents of his state have been removed arbitrarily and unilaterally by the BJP government at the Centre.” He asserted the demand that the historical state be reinstated with full statehood, along with the restoration of democratic rights and freedoms in Jammu and Kashmir without any delay.

The birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh also witnessed celebrations in various other districts, including Samba, Kathua, and Udhampur, underlining the enduring legacy of this iconic leader across the region.