Jammu, Sept 23, KNT: As Jammu and Kashmir observes the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, locals and historians are reflecting on the life and legacy of the last Dogra ruler of the erstwhile princely state. Remembered as a monarch who combined modern vision with care for his people, Hari Singh continues to hold a place of respect among many, decades after the end of his reign.
Born in September 1895, Hari Singh ascended the throne in 1925 at a time when Jammu and Kashmir was undergoing rapid social and political changes. Those who study his tenure say he stood apart from many rulers of his era by focusing on education, social reforms, and the dignity of his subjects. “Maharaja Hari Singh was not only a ruler but also a reformer. He cared deeply for his state and wanted to see it prosper,” said a historian from Jammu University.
One of his most celebrated contributions was in the field of education. He introduced free and compulsory education for children, regardless of caste or religion. He also worked to expand access to higher education, ensuring that young people from Jammu and Kashmir could compete with their counterparts across India. Locals still recall that under his rule, scholarships were introduced to help poor students pursue their studies. “My grandfather always told me that it was Maharaja Hari Singh who made it possible for the poorest children to dream of becoming doctors or teachers,” said Rajesh Sharma, a retired teacher from Jammu.
The Maharaja also sought to reform social practices that had long divided society. He outlawed untouchability and opened places of worship to all communities, challenging centuries-old hierarchies. His government introduced laws to protect labourers, regulate working hours, and ensure that workers received fair wages. “He believed in justice and equality, and for his time, these were revolutionary ideas,” noted a political analyst from Srinagar.
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Hari Singh’s reign also saw attempts to modernise administration and expand healthcare facilities. Hospitals and dispensaries were set up in both cities and rural areas, providing medical care to people who had previously been neglected. His policies aimed to combine tradition with modern governance, and many believe this balance earned him admiration among diverse communities.
Though his rule eventually ended when Sheikh Abdullah rose to prominence under India’s new political arrangements, Hari Singh’s memory has endured among locals. In recent years, calls to honour his contributions led to the declaration of his birth anniversary as a public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir. The day is now marked by floral tributes, seminars, and cultural events across the Union Territory.
Locals emphasise that Maharaja Hari Singh’s vision was not limited to governance but extended to the dignity of his people. “He famously said that his religion was justice. That sums up his approach as a ruler,” remarked a lawyer in Jammu.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues to grapple with contemporary challenges, many believe that remembering Hari Singh’s model of governance can offer inspiration. His focus on education, equality, and fairness, they say, remains as relevant today as it was nearly a century ago.
For the people of the region, Maharaja Hari Singh is not just a figure from history but a reminder of what it means for a leader to genuinely care for his subjects. His enduring legacy continues to evoke respect, and his birth anniversary serves as an occasion for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to reflect on the values of justice, compassion, and vision that he sought to uphold. [KNT]
