Pvt, govt institutions join hands to highlight Dogra legacy

Vikram Sharma

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 22

Revisiting the past legacy of royal patronage of Jammu and Kashmir, various non-governmental organisations, private and government educational institutes are coming forward to glorify the iconic Dogra leaders, who were the first reformists of the state.

The current exercise is focused on the last Dogra ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, who is becoming a unifying force and icon for the youth in the Jammu region.

The turnabout came only after the recent passing of resolution in both the Lower as well as Upper House in the state Assembly giving nod for observance of September 23, birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh as state holiday.

Though the resolution passed awaits the Cabinet nod, various state academies, educational institutions, both private and government, are buoyed up to highlight Maharaja Hari Singh’s historical perspective in accession of the state to the union of India, besides bringing in many striking reforms.

“Jammu has been suffering badly due to a leaderless vacuum. The resolution brought in the Council and passed by voice vote is first win. Though less is expected from the BJP in government to push for its Cabinet inclusion, it is left for people of Jammu only to take the mantle and lead the campaign,” said Hari Om, former HoD, Department of History, Jammu University.

He also praised the efforts of MLC Ajatshatru Singh for moving the resolution in the Council which got the majority support and was passed by voice vote with only one dissent.

Hari Om said since the ball was in the government’s court and if the BJP refrains from honouring it, Jammu would overthrow the saffron bunch out and forever. “This is a good exercise that various institutes are giving hype to Maharaja’s historical credentials, which will act as pressure tactic on the government,” Hari Om added.

Vikramaditya Singh, PDP MLC and grandchild of Maharaja Hari Singh, while talking to The Tribune said the day the state Assembly session packed up on February 1, he had shot a letter to then Education Minister with a roadmap to include chronological aspects of the Dogra rulers in school textbooks.

His suggestions included a panel of eminent historians and educationalists to be set up for this purpose, besides one chapter each to be dedicated to the rulers, starting with Maharaja Gulab Singh, the founder of the J&K state, and going on highlighting the institutions set up and reforms made during each of their tenure, ending with Maharaja Hari Singh and his most forward, visionary and progressive reforms in the fields of education, women’s rights, health care, environment, forests, wildlife and wetlands, irrigation and flood channels, rights for backward communities, setting up of J&K Bank and setting up of the Board of Judicial Advisers to deliver fair justice.

“It is imperative to point out to children as to how many institutions are relevant in the modern day J&K. It is crime to hide such information from our youth and brainwash them into believing otherwise,” said Vikramaditya, adding that he urged the former Education Minister to take appropriate measures to begin imparting knowledge to young and impressionable minds, who are going to shape the future.