Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 22: The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) celebrated the birth anniversary of the Maharaja Hari Singh here, today. The event witnessed the participation of distinguished leaders, including Ravinder Raina, BJP State president, and Deputy Chief Ministers, Dr. Nirmal Singh and Kavinder Gupta , former ministers, Sat Sharma, Priya Sethi alongside State president BJP Yuva Morcha, Arun Prabhat.
The renowned artist Praveen Sharma conducted the proceedings.
Ravinder Raina, BJP State president, affirmed the party’s unwavering commitment to the cause of Jammu and acknowledged the significant role played by the BJP in declaring a public holiday on the occasion of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji’s birthday. He stated, “BJP remains steadfast in its advocacy for the people of Jammu, and the recognition of Maharaja Hari Singh’s birthday as a public holiday is a testament to our dedication to preserving his legacy and the rich cultural heritage of Jammu.”
The celebration also featured a poignant tribute to Maharaja Hari Singh’s visionary reign
by Dr. Nirmal Singh who shed light on the impactful reforms initiated by him during his rule, including the promotion of free and compulsory girl education, the support for widow remarriage, flood control measures, the creation of irrigation canals, environmental and forest protection laws, the promotion of local handicrafts, advancements in sericulture, and the protection of small traders’ interests.
Dr. Singh emphasized, “Maharaja Hari Singh’s reign was characterized by a commitment to progressive reforms that uplifted society and advanced the region. His visionary initiatives have left a lasting legacy that continues to shape our lives.
Arun Prabhat, State president of BJP Yuva Morcha, highlighted said , “As Dogras, we take immense pride in our visionary ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, who signed the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947, aligning Jammu and Kashmir with the dominion of India as per the Indian Independence Act of 1947. It is a widely held sentiment in Jammu that despite his instrumental role in securing the J&K’s accession to India, Maharaja Hari Singh has not received due recognition from successive governments, both at the Centre and in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We feel a sense of pride in celebrating his enduring legacy”, he added.
The J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu also organized a grand function to celebrate the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh in the Court Complex here in which large number of lawyers participated, and paid tributes.
Speaking on the occasion, Vikram Sharma, Senior Advocate & president J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu threw light on the life and works of Maharaja Hari Singh. He also appreciated the decision of the Government, to declare 23rd September, the day of birth of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji as holiday. This is in recognition of the contributions of Maharaja Hari Singh who integrated Jammu and Kashmir with dominion of India by signing the Instrument of Accession as a progressive and secular ruler to the core. He stated that J&K High Court of Judicature was established under Maharaja’s rule in the year 1928. He also highlighted the Justice – oriented approach of the Maharaja during his dispensation. He called upon the intelligentsia to do more research work on the life and contributions of Maharaja, and bring his persona in public domain for making the natives aware of it.
All the lawyers present in the gathering paid floral tributes to the Maharaja Hari Singh on the occasion.
All the Office bearers of the J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu namely Vikram Sharma, senior advocate & president JKHCBAJ, Amit Gupta vice-president, Parvesh Singh Salaria general secretary, Chetan Misri joint secretary, Utkarsh Pathania treasurer and Rohit Sharma (president, YLA), S. Gagandeep Singh Lucky (vice president YLA), Yaseer Farooq Khan (general secretary YLA), Karanjeet Singh Johal (joint secretary YLA), Naresh Kumar (treasurer) and many senior and young lawyers participated in the celebration.
Parvesh Singh Salaria, general secretary, J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu concluded the function.