Tributes paid to Malik khap leader Dada Ghasi Ram

SONEPAT: Rich tributes were paid to the founder of the Gathwala Malik Khap Dada Ghasi Ram Malik one of most regarded Khap leaders of his times on his 149th birth anniversary at Malik Bhawan at Gohana in the district today

Updated At : 06:10 AM Feb 20, 2018 IST

Satpal Singh Malik, Governor of Bihar, being welcomed by Union Minister Birender Singh, Haryana Agriculture Minister OP Dhankar and Dada Baljit Singh Malik at Gohana in Sonepat district on Monday. Photo: BS Malik

Our Correspondent

Sonepat, February 19

Rich tributes were paid to the founder of the Gathwala (Malik) Khap, Dada Ghasi Ram Malik, one of most regarded Khap leaders of his times, on his 149th birth anniversary at Malik Bhawan at Gohana in the district today.

Satpal Singh Malik, Governor of Bihar, said that Dada Ghasi Ram was one of the most popular Khap leaders known for his impartial social decisions not only in the Malik khap but also in other khaps. He was also a close associate of legendary kisan leader Sir Chhotu Ram, then Revenue Minister of United Punjab before Partition, he added.

Malik said that Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan is a more pious place than Haridwar as statues of the martyrs had been installed in every village there. “Good character is necessary for nation building,” he added.

Union Steel Minister Birender Singh said that Dada Ghasi Ram was still being remembered for his selfless service to society and his contribution to eradication of social evils. “Society has become strong politically, but there is need to become strong economically also,” he said and asked the gathering to take up self employment through trading and setting up industrial units.

Agriculture Minister Om Prakash Dhankhar said that the younger generation should learn about their ancestors who contributed to society and the country. “To achieve the target, the state has decided to install Gaurav Pattas in every village for inscribing the details of the martyrs, serving soldiers, donors and sports persons,” he said. He announced a grant of Rs 21 lakh for the reconstruction of Malik Bhawan.

On the occasion, Dada Baljit Singh Malik, grandson of Dada Ghasi Ram Malik, who presided over the programme, presented a six-point resolution that was unanimously passed. The resolution included a ban on female foeticide, celebratory firing in marriages, marriages during daytime and dowry etc.

The Governor of Bihar inaugurated a life size marble statue of Dada Ghasi Ram on the Malik Bhawan premises. Other who paid tributes included former MP and HPCC president, Dharam Pal Singh Malik, former Haryana minister Kulbir Singh, Haryana Chief Minister’s adviser Dr Yogendra Malik.