Jammu, Jan 28: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today felicitated the recipients of the ‘Maharaja Hari Singh Peace & Harmony Award,’ organised by Gulistan News Network in Jammu.
The Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to Pandit Prem Nath Dogra, Pandit Girdhari Lal Dogra, and Shri Devender Singh Rana, who were honoured posthumously for their leadership, tenacity, and lifelong dedication to the welfare of the people.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor also paid homage to Maharaja Hari Singh, highlighting the revolutionary reforms he introduced that left a lasting impact on society and the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Maharaja Hari Singh Ji was a key architect of modern Jammu and Kashmir. He played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s destiny during a critical period and was instrumental in realizing the dream of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,’” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He further emphasized that Maharaja Hari Singh Ji’s unwavering concern for the poor, the disadvantaged, and his advocacy for women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, and the upliftment of marginalized communities were central to his leadership. His life was a testament to courage and conviction for the betterment of society.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that it is the responsibility of those in leadership positions to ensure that all segments of society have a stake in building a developed India.
“These prestigious Maharaja Hari Singh Awards recognize the efforts of individuals who have contributed to promoting peace, inclusive development, and a sense of unity between communities,” he added.
Addressing the awardees, the Lieutenant Governor said, “As India moves forward on the path of rapid economic growth, your contributions in literature, social services, sports, education, and business strengthen the fabric of our society. It is your duty to ensure the empowerment of women and prioritizing the welfare of the weaker sections of society.”
Speaking about India’s emergence as an economic superpower, the Lieutenant Governor said the progress made in the last decade assures that the nation is on track to achieve the goal of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
He also emphasized that achieving these goals is not solely the government’s responsibility and that citizens must actively contribute. “Despite our differences, we share a common origin and destiny. I urge people from all sections of society to join together and help lead India into a developed nation,” he stated.
The Lieutenant Governor added that the J&K Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had fulfilled the long-standing demand of declaring a holiday on the birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor was conferred with the ‘Maharaja Hari Singh Award in Reforms and Planning’.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament; Sham Lal Chaudhary, former Minister; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; members of Gulistan News Network; senior officials and prominent citizens from different walks of life were present.
