Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 26: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, underscored that Accession Day symbolizes the unbreakable bond of J&K with India, paying tribute to Maharaja Hari Singh for his visionary decision that ensured the region’s integration with the nation.
Addressing the ‘Adhivilan Utsav 2025’ organized by Samadhaan Foundation in Jammu, Kavinder lauded the Maharaja as a reformist monarch whose governance advanced education, justice, social welfare and women’s empowerment, while also defending India’s cultural and civilizational ethos.
He highlighted Ladakh’s long history of discrimination and underdevelopment, stating that real empowerment began after the abrogation of Article 370 and the region’s emergence as a separate Union Territory under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Among others who addressed the programme included Pawan Sharma (chairperson, Samadhaan Foundation), MLA Yudhvir Sethi, Dr Meenakshi Kilam and Kusum Hindu.
Jammu and Kashmir Ex-Services League (JKESL) organized a function at Brigadier Rajinder Singh Chowk in Jammu on Accession Day which coincides with Martyrdom Day of Brigadier Rajinder Singh. On the occasion, Usha Parma, daughter of Brig Rajinder Singh, graced the occasion with her presence. She paid floral tributes to her father, who was a pivotal figure in the 1947 Kashmir War. He is known as the “Saviour of Kashmir” for his leadership in delaying Pakistani tribal raiders.
As Chief of Staff, he strategically held the advancing enemy at key points like Uri and Baramulla, a delay that gave the Indian Army time to arrive and for the State’s Instrument of Accession to be signed. For his heroic actions, he was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, becoming the first recipient of this gallantry award in independent India.
Shri Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha, Purani Mandi (Jammu) celebrated the Accession Day of Jammu and Kashmir in a grand way at its Raj Tilak Bhawan (Purani Mandi) under the president ship of Bishan Singh Jamwal, President of the Sabha.
A large number of people irrespective of caste and creed were gathered at Sabha Bhawan to pay homage to highly visionary Maharaja Hari Singh on Accession Day. Major General Goverdhan Singh Jamwal was chief guest of the programme who paid homage to Maharaja Hari Singh along with Usha Parmar daughter of Brigadier (late) Rajinder Singh Jamwal (Saviour of Kashmir).
The Major General shared his memories during turbulent times of J&K State at the time of its accession to the Union of India and gave a detailed account of mischievous role of British Government and the then Government of India, which created such circumstances for Maharaja to leave the State, against the wishes of the masses.
Naryan Singh, chairman of Amar Kshatriya Sabha Charitable Trust and Bishan Singh Jamwal (president of the Sabha) also spoke on the occasion. Several prominent personalities of Rajput Biradari including Maj General Goverdhan Singh Jamwal, Usha Parmar, Capt Bihari Singh (Life Member AKRS), Dr Romesh Singh (Retired Principal) of Government Dental College Jammu, were honoured.
Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS) celebrated the 78th Accession Day of J&K with great pride and honour. Under the leadership of president Sanjeev Singh Rinku, the YRS team, comprising former president Vikram Singh Vicky, Rajan Singh Happy, Rajveer Singh, Surinder Singh Gilli, and other core committee members, paid floral tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh at his statue located at Bikram Chowk Tawi Bridge.
In his address, Sanjeev Singh Rinku highlighted the glorious history of J&K, particularly the valor and wisdom displayed by the Dogra rulers and warriors. He emphasized that the legacy of Maharaja Hari Singh and the sacrifices of Brigadier Rajinder Singh and other soldiers in 1947 would always be remembered as a testament to their unwavering commitment to protecting the state.
The YRS also reiterated its demand for the restoration of statehood to J&K. The Sabha emphasized that the Dogra community has always contributed significantly to nation-building and national progress. “The honour and dignity of the Dogra community are inextricably linked to the state of J&K. Statehood is not just a political demand but a birthright for the youth of J&K,” the YRS stated.
To mark the occasion, PoJK Visthapit Sewa Samiti, Jammu chapter organized a seminar on ‘Vilay Diwas’ at Shree Gita Mandir Samriti Bhawan, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu. Dr Ajay Sharma, Assistant Professor, Centre for Jammu Kashmir and Ladhakh Studies, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, as the main speaker deliberated on importance of Accession Day. Dr Deepak Kapoor, president of PoJK Visthapit Sewa Samiti, in his presidential address, said complete accession will be there when PoJK, POTL and COTL will be taken back from Pakistan and China.
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