Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Honored with Maharaja Hari Singh Award

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was conferred with the prestigious Maharaja Hari Singh Award at a grand ceremony held at Satyam Resort, Jammu. The event, organized by the Gulistan News Network, was part of the ‘Maharaja Hari Singh Peace and Harmony Award 2024-25’ celebrations. The award recognized LG Sinha’s contributions to reforms and planning in Jammu and Kashmir.

During the ceremony, LG Sinha paid heartfelt tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh, highlighting his pivotal role in the integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India. He also honored the posthumous recipients of the award, including Pandit Prem Nath Dogra, Pandit Girdhari Lal Dogra, and Shri Devender Singh Rana, for their unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people and their exemplary leadership.

Who is Maharaja Hari Singh?

In his address, LG Sinha lauded Maharaja Hari Singh as a key architect of modern Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the revolutionary reforms introduced by the Maharaja, which had a profound impact on the region’s society and development.

“Maharaja Hari Singh Ji was unflinching in his concern for the poor and the disadvantaged. He championed the cause of women empowerment, education, healthcare, and the upliftment of the marginalized. His life was a saga of courage and conviction for the betterment of society,” said LG Sinha.

He further noted that the Maharaja played a crucial role in shaping the destiny of Jammu and Kashmir during a critical period in history, ensuring that the dream of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India) became a reality.

A Call for Inclusive Development

LG Sinha stressed the importance of ensuring that all segments of society have a stake in the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). He highlighted that the Maharaja Hari Singh Awards are a recognition of efforts toward promoting peace, inclusive development, and communal harmony.

“As India moves forward on the path of rapid economic growth, your work in literature, social services, sports, education, and business strengthens the fabric of our society. It is your duty to ensure that the weaker sections of society and the empowerment of women are given top priority,” LG Sinha told the awardees.

India’s Journey Toward Becoming an Economic Superpower

Reflecting on India’s progress, LG Sinha expressed confidence that the nation will achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He credited the significant strides made in the last decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this optimism.

“The progress we have achieved in the last 10 years assures us that the goal of Viksit Bharat is within reach. However, the government alone cannot achieve this; it requires the collective efforts of all citizens,” he said.

LG Sinha urged people from all sections of society to actively participate in the nation’s development journey. “Despite our differences, we share a common origin and a common destiny. Let us work together to lead India into a developed nation,” he added.

Honoring the Legacy of Maharaja Hari Singh

LG Sinha also announced that the Jammu and Kashmir government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has fulfilled the long-pending demand of declaring a public holiday on the birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh. This decision reflects the government’s commitment to honoring the Maharaja’s legacy and contributions to the region.

All India Urdu Mushaira: Celebrating Art and Culture

In a parallel event, the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages hosted the All India Urdu Mushaira at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu, as part of the 76th Republic Day celebrations. The event saw the participation of renowned poets from Jammu and Kashmir and across the country, alongside writers and intellectuals.

The Mushaira celebrated the rich literary and cultural heritage of India, fostering a sense of unity and creativity among participants.

Summary of the News

Category	Details
Why in News?	Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha received the Maharaja Hari Singh Award at a ceremony in Jammu, organized by the Gulistan News Network as part of the Maharaja Hari Singh Peace and Harmony Award 2024-25.
Award Recognition	The award honored LG Sinha for his reforms and planning in Jammu and Kashmir.
Tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh	LG Sinha highlighted Maharaja Hari Singh’s role in integrating Jammu and Kashmir with India and his contributions to social reforms.
Posthumous Honorees	The award also recognized Pandit Prem Nath Dogra, Pandit Girdhari Lal Dogra, and Shri Devender Singh Rana for their contributions to public welfare.
Maharaja Hari Singh’s Legacy	He was a visionary leader who promoted women empowerment, education, healthcare, and social upliftment.
Call for Inclusive Development	LG Sinha emphasized the need for inclusive growth, prioritizing the weaker sections of society and women’s empowerment.
India’s Development Goals	LG Sinha expressed confidence in India becoming a developed nation by 2047, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for economic progress.
Public Holiday Announcement	The J&K government declared a public holiday on Maharaja Hari Singh’s birthday to honor his contributions.
All India Urdu Mushaira	As part of the 76th Republic Day celebrations, the J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages hosted an Urdu Mushaira at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu, featuring renowned poets.