JAMMU, Sep 21: The Jammu State Movement (JSM) has appealed to all Sabhas, Societies, Trade Associations, Social, Religious and Political Organisations, youth groups, community bodies and other public institutions across the Jammu region to come forward voluntarily and participate in the celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji.
The appeal was made by Atulya Bakshi, Coordinator, Jammu State Movement, who stated that the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji is an important occasion for the people of Jammu to collectively remember his contribution to the region and to demonstrate unity, respect and solidarity.
Atulya Bakshi said that the occasion should not be viewed merely as a ceremonial programme of any single organisation. Rather, it should become a collective public expression of respect by the people and organisations of Jammu for the legacy associated with Maharaja Hari Singh Ji.
He appealed to every organisation, irrespective of its individual identity, ideology, social background or area of work, to voluntarily participate in the celebrations.
“Let every organisation of Jammu come forward voluntarily and celebrate the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji together, in the spirit of unity, respect and solidarity.”»
He further appealed that every participating organisation should come with its own banner, reflecting its independent identity and collective respect for Maharaja Hari Singh Ji. According to him, the presence of different organisations under their respective banners would demonstrate that the celebration belongs to the entire society and that participation does not require organisations to surrender their individual identities.
Atulya Bakshi said that Maharaja Hari Singh Ji occupies an important place in the modern history of Jammu and Kashmir. His birth anniversary provides an opportunity for the people, particularly the younger generation, to learn about the historical period in which he served as the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir and to discuss the political, administrative, educational and social developments associated with his era.
He stressed that historical personalities should be remembered through informed public discussion, respect for historical facts and awareness among the younger generation.
“Jammu has a rich historical and cultural heritage, and Maharaja Hari Singh Ji remains an important part of that heritage. His birth anniversary gives society an opportunity to come together, remember the past and encourage the younger generation to understand the history of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The Jammu State Movement has appealed to organisations across Jammu city as well as the districts and rural areas of the Jammu region to participate in the celebrations in a disciplined, peaceful and voluntary manner.
Atulya Bakshi said that Sabhas, social organisations, religious institutions, trade associations, professional bodies, youth organisations, women’s organisations, educational and cultural groups and political organisations can all contribute to making the occasion a broad-based public celebration.
He said that participation by different organisations under their respective banners would also reflect the diversity of Jammu’s civil society.
“Every organisation has its own identity and its own field of work. We respect that identity. Our appeal is simply that all organisations should come forward voluntarily and pay their collective respects to Maharaja Hari Singh Ji,” Bakshi stated.
The Coordinator emphasised that the purpose of the appeal is to promote a spirit of social unity and collective participation.
He said that public occasions connected with the region’s history and heritage can provide an opportunity for people from different sections of society to come together on a common platform.
He urged organisations not to treat the programme as the event of one particular group or organisation. Instead, he called for broad participation so that the celebrations reflect the sentiments of Jammu’s wider civil society.
“Unity does not mean that every organisation must have the same identity or viewpoint. Unity means that we can come together respectfully on occasions that are connected with our shared history and heritage,” he said.
Atulya Bakshi also appealed to parents, teachers, students and youth organisations to encourage the younger generation to participate in the celebrations.
He said that young people should be given an opportunity to understand the historical personalities, institutions and events that shaped Jammu and Kashmir.
He added that cultural and historical awareness can help strengthen a sense of responsibility towards society and heritage.
“The younger generation must know about the history of their land. Celebrations of historical personalities should also become occasions for education, dialogue and awareness. We should encourage our youth to read, understand and discuss history through credible sources,” he said.
The Jammu State Movement appealed to all participating organisations and citizens to maintain peace, discipline and mutual respect during the celebrations.
Bakshi said that the occasion should be marked with dignity and should reflect Jammu’s tradition of respecting its historical and cultural heritage.
He urged all organisations to coordinate responsibly with the concerned authorities wherever necessary and to ensure that public participation does not cause inconvenience to the general public.
He also appealed to participants to maintain cleanliness at venues and to ensure that the celebrations remain peaceful and respectful.
Concluding his appeal, Atulya Bakshi reiterated that the Jammu State Movement welcomes the voluntary participation of every organisation willing to pay tribute to Maharaja Hari Singh Ji.
He said that the presence of numerous organisations carrying their own banners would send a message of collective respect while preserving the independent identity of each participating body.
The Jammu State Movement therefore called upon all Sabhas, Societies, Trade Associations, Social, Religious and Political Organisations, youth and community groups across Jammu to come forward and participate in the birth anniversary celebrations of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji.
“Let us come together voluntarily, with dignity and mutual respect, to remember Maharaja Hari Singh Ji and to honour the historical and cultural heritage of Jammu. Let every organisation participate with its own banner and identity, while standing together in the spirit of unity, respect and solidarity.”