Jammu: The birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, the last Dogra ruler of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, Leh, Ladakh and Tibetan Desh, is celebrated every year on 23rd September with great joy, enthusiasm and devotion. For the last 12 years, the Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS) has been paying tribute to Maharaja Hari Singh Ji by organizing a grand rally in Jammu in the form of a Jhanki with the participation of the Dogra community.
This year too, on the 130th birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, YRS President Sanjeev Singh Rinku, along with senior members, core committee members and the state body, addressed a press conference at the Press Club, Jammu, outlining the scheduled programs.
While speaking to the media, Sanjeev Singh expressed condolences to the people of Jammu division over the heavy losses caused by recent rains and floods. He assured that YRS stands firmly with the affected families in their time of suffering and urged the administration to provide an immediate relief package to the flood victims.
Highlighting the upcoming events, Singh announced that the 130th birth anniversary celebrations will be held with full enthusiasm across different parts of Jammu, where Sabha members will meet people, extend invitations, and encourage Dogras to join the celebrations.
He further informed that:
- A grand roadshow will be held on 18th September, starting from the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji at 10 AM. The rally will pass through Jammu, Kot Bhalwal, Akhnoor, Jourian, Khour, and Pallawala, before returning to Jammu via the Jammu–Akhnoor National Highway.
- On 21st September, the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji will be cleaned and decorated.
- On 22nd September, a cultural program will be organized at the statue site from 8 PM to midnight, where renowned Dogra artists will perform, paying tribute through songs and cultural presentations that highlight the glorious contributions of the Dogra Maharajas.
- The main rally will take place on 23rd September, starting from MD Resort, Keran Bantalab, at 10:30 AM. It will pass through Chinore, Roopnagar, Janipur, Newplot, Amphala Chowk, Panjtirthi, CPU Chowk, Kachi Chawni, Parade, Shalimar Chowk, Indra Chowk, and Gumat, before concluding at the Maharaja Hari Singh Ji statue on the main bridge of Bikram Chowk.
Founder member Rajinder Singh Manhas, along with Rajesh Singh and Ranjeet Singh, emphasized that the birth anniversary is a day to remember Maharaja Hari Singh Ji’s remarkable contributions. They recalled his progressive vision, highlighting that he declared, “All religions are mine and my religion is justice to all.” His reforms included free primary education for all, opening temples to every section of society irrespective of caste or creed, declaring untouchability a crime, and introducing the State Subject Laws to safeguard land, jobs, resources, and the Dogra identity and culture.
Former President Surinder Singh Gilli, along with Rajveer Singh, Rajan Singh Happy, Vikram Singh Vicky and other senior members, were also present at the press conference. They appealed to the Rajput and Dogra communities to participate in large numbers in this year’s rally, enhance its beauty by wearing traditional Dogri Pachma Kurta, Dogri Turban, and Dogri Attire, and avoid carrying weapons. YRS members carrying swords were requested to keep them sheathed, as swords are considered the symbolic jewellery of the Rajput community.
The YRS team urged the public to come forward in huge numbers on 23rd September to pay tribute to Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, celebrate his 130th birth anniversary, and honor the legacy of Dogra rulers and warriors who shaped the history of Jammu and Kashmir.
