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Cont: 9419101229, 94191-76665 ENTRUST REALTORS & CONSULTANTS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013 INTERNET EDITION : www.dailyexcelsior.com/magazine www.jammuproperty.com THE SAVIORS OF

Shiban Khaibri a paltry number of 150 men and marched to which by that time, had fallen and The Greek epic poet Homer says: "Without the town of Dhumal 112 kms far from a sign, his sword the brave man draws, and too was lost. His first action was at Garhi on asks no omen, but his country's cause." We Oct23, 1947, the second one at Uri on Oct 24th have heard sagas of bravery, the gritting deter- and third at Mahura on Oct 25. He succeeded mination, impeccable resolve and feats of war- in destroying a vital bridge at Uri to halt the riors but they all appear not above the extreme advancement of Qabalies. One by one his men bravery and patriotism shown by the proud son offered the supreme sacrifice and the Brigadier of the soil, Brigadier Rajinder Singh who fought leading from the front, single handedly, kept the swarm of Afridees, Mahsuds, Wazirs, fighting for hours together even in the condi- Swathis and others known as Qabaliyees, tion of being profusely wounded. He kept on those were inspired, aided armed and pushed fighting till the enemy surrounded him in over- into Kashmir by along with its regular whelming numbers and rained bullets on him soldiers attired as tribesmen under the overall making him attain martyrdom. The Brigadier command of Colonel Akbar Khan under his won the decisive battle while the nitwit enemy nom de gurre of "General Tariq." They were won a mere local fight. The enemy, as per its armed heavily to belch Kashmir by deceit and time table, had to reach Srinagar on Oct 25, despicable means in Oct 1947. His aim of put- instead because of his resolute fight, they could ting the country above every other thing else merely reach Baramulla only to burn, loot, kill including his own life while taking on the hordes and rape. It is a matter of feeling proud that the of attackers in Baramulla and Uri sectors in Brigadier had, besides his few soldiers - cooks, Brigadier Rajinder Singh Maqbool Sherwani Major Somnath Sharma Kashmir, reaffirmed the fame of the Dogras mess bearers, orderlies etc; who also took up as being counted among the best of warriors arms on his orders to fight the ruthless despised in the world. We, the beholden citizens, revere enemy to defend Kashmir. Brigadier Rajinder It is a travesty that Oct 26 is not declared as a state holiday nor is the day commemorated in the way his bravery and bow to his martyrdom attained Singh shall always, not only be remembered befitting its importance, nor are there any programmes and celebrations sponsored by the state by him at Bunyar near Baramulla on Oct27, but venerated too by the countrymen in gen- government involving the youth specially so that they get acquainted with the sagas of the legendry 1947 while defending Kashmir and stopping eral and the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the advancement of the frenzied hordes to cap- particular, for his iconic feats of determination, heroes and their heroic deeds to enable them pass on the legacy to the next generations. ture Srinagar which proved vital not only mili- bravery and highest levels of patriotism exhib- tarily but more importantly politically. On Octo- ited by him while saving Kashmir in 1947. stating ,"The enemy is only 50 yards from us, 1947 he rode his motorcycle and went around ends seem to be getting eulogized. Newer ber 26 itself the state of Jammu and Kashmir Another brave heart who contributed his we are heavily outnumbered and are under the town telling Kabaliyees not to advance concepts, theories and stories are floated had acceded to the Indian union. On Oct27, tremendous mite to save Kashmir and deci- devastating fire -I shall not withdraw an inch towards Srinagar as Indian troops had about Kashmir to make undue hay in the vast Indian troops landed at Srinagar airport which sively defeat the enemy, was Major Som Nath but will fight to the last man and the last round". reached the outskirts of Baramulla. The and warm sunshine of our democratic liberal hundreds of civil volunteers had made worthy Sharma. When his company was ordered to Soon after, this brave son of the country fell to raiders got themselves totally immobilized for system. Equally some pseudo intellectuals of landing. move to Srinagar, Somnath had a fractured a mortar fire. Three days later on Oct 30, Shar- full four days and by that time the and so called experts on Kashmir too are Brigadier Rajinder Singh is the first Indian arm in plaster paste from the wrist to the elbow ma's body was recovered though mutilated had landed in Srinagar. That speaks for why emerging on the horizon who have made it an soldier to be decorated with the highest gal- and was initially declared technically unfit for beyond recognition, a few pages of the Holy 0ct 27 is celebrated every year as infantry day. enterprise to talk, write and preach fictions lantry award of Maha Vir Chakra. The Mahara- the operation but he wanted to do something Gita that he always adored in his breast pock- Not only this, he put the raiders on a wrong about Kashmir repugnant to the facts and his- ja had pinned high hopes in the Brigadier who special for the country and managed to take et and the empty leather hoister of the pistol track from Baramulla just to halt their advance torical truths. was the army chief as well, to protect the state part in active operation and was asked to lead helped to identify the brave heart's body. It is so that the Indian troops could liberate the fall- Oct 26, the accession day of the state is a of Jammu and Kashmir "till his last man and the company. Within hours on receiving said that his favourite pastime was listening to en areas from the enemy. For this, he was last breath". The brave heart kept his word. It historic day, a day to celebrate and to remem- orders, he landed at Srinagar where the situ- his grandfather reciting from the Bhagavad caught by the wild and uncivilized hordes of ber the valiant heroes who did not hesitate to is interesting to note, especially by our younger ation was fast deteriorating as the raiders and Gita and its teachings remained ingrained in Kabaliyees and asked to say, "Pakistan Zind- generations, about the heroic deeds of those offer the supreme sacrifice to save Kashmir the Pakistani regulars had virtually neared the Somnath till his last breath in the battlefield. abad", which this true son of the soil refused. as if resolutely saying, "Our country would sons of the soil who eventually attained iconic airport by reaching as near as Badgam. Major He was, accordingly, awarded the first Param He was nailed alive to a post through the be ours and ours for ever as long as the sun forms due to the feats of bravery exhibited by Sharma and his company were dispatched to Vir Chakra. The citation read," Keeping his palms and the chest at Baramulla crossing shines." This is a day to remember and pay them while saving the motherland from being Budgam. A 700 strong tribal and Pakistani nerve, he skillfully directed the fire of his sec- and as many as 14 bullets were pumped into tributes to those who became victims of the defiled by the enemies. At a very short notice, force armed heavily with modern weaponry tion into the ever - advancing enemy; his lead- his body. raiders' brutality, savagery, cruelty and lust Brigadier Rajinder Singh received orders from attacked the Indian forces. Being outnum- ership, gallantry and tenacious defence were Three days after his martyrdom, his body the then ruler, Maharaja to rush to bered by 7 to 1, the valiant Major sent a request such that his men were inspired to fight the was brought down the post by the army on having no parallels in the annals of the histo- Baramulla to save Srinagar following the tribes- for reinforcements. He feared that in case the enemy outnumbering them. Major Sharma set reaching Baramulla. To a larger extent, due to ry. It is a travesty that Oct 26 is not declared men and Pakistani attack on Muzzafarabad on enemy advanced any further, the security of an example of courage and qualities seldom Sherwani's role, the famous Shalateng battle as a state holiday nor is the day commemo- Oct22, 1947. The raiders burnt the town - the airport would be endangered to the extent equaled in the history of the Indian Army." near Srinagar was fought to eliminate the ene- rated in the way befitting its importance, nor indulged in large scale looting, killed people of even falling into the hands of the enemy and Civilians also played an important role in my. He got crucified and attained martyrdom are there any programmes and celebrations and abused women particularly non- Muslims. that would mean losing Kashmir to Pakistan. their own way to save Kashmir from the alien for the honour of his motherland and the peo- sponsored by the state government involving They, in the intervening night of Oct22/23 , over The Srinagar airfield was the only lifeline ruthless marauders. Among such people the ple. Alas! Such heroes stand totally forgotten the youth specially so that they get acquaint- ran Uri and captured Mahura and damaged between the valley and rest of the country. He name of a Kashmiri boy aged just 19 is worth and neglected; instead those who preach sep- ed with the sagas of the legendry heroes and the power station due to which the whole city kept on fighting superbly bravely and sent the mentioning. He was Mohamad Maqbool Sher- aratism, exclusiveness, communal hatred and their heroic deeds to enable them pass on the plunged into darkness. He could just arrange last wireless message to the headquarters wani, a shop keeper of Baramulla. On Oct26, believe in violent means to achieve political legacy to the next generations. 'GULAB GAATHA'- An unforgettable Theatrical venture Aarushi Thakur possession. He is said to have played an eminent role in extending the boundaries of his kingdom. The Maharaja Jammu witnessed the first ever theatrical venture of an of Jammu at that time played a strategic policy and ensured International Class from the untold pages of the history of that the prestige of Jammu and the reign of the Raja should Jammu & Kashmir. Designed and directed by Padamshree prevail. In spite of facing various drawbacks and bitterness Balwant Thakur, this ICCR Jammu presentation which from the Lahore Darbar, 's immovable stand ICCR showcased in association with Maharaja Gulab Singh Memorial Trust vibrated the large stage of General restored the prestige of the people of Jammu. On one hand, Zorawar Singh Auditorium through the mind-blowing stage where relations between different princely states was char- action. With 70 (seventy) top actors of Jammu stage and acterised by defeat and bowing their heads under the a team of 15 (fifteen) creative off-stage experts, Balwant British, Jammu was strategically excluded from this humil- Thakur created this mesmerizing electrifying presentation iation. which received standing ovation from the jam-packed audi- Just like great game of chess involves well-planned ence which included who is who of Jammu including Dr. strategy and an intrinsic knowledge of the moves of your opponent, the same way diplomatic relations in a state are President ICCR and top Bollywood and TV a reflection of strategic planning. It is somehow a game actor Mohit Raina. that involves planning and intelligence. Many rulers in our As soon as the curtains were drawn and the lights were country have been known for their bravery and their con- thrown on the actors, there began a journey of trance where quests which shine like a jewel in their arsenal but only few the audience was taken to the house where Gulab Singh have been known for their strategic accomplishments. was born then to the battlefield where he fought with val- Maharaja Gulab Singh was one such ruler whose astute- our and pride against anyone who stood against him. Nev- ness and curious compound of mysticism is commend- er in the annals of history had witnessed such sense of able. Presumably, however, we believe that kings and enthusiasm amongst the youth of Jammu when they saw rulers are known for their magnificent ability to fight and the theatrical performance. As a writer when I write this, I conquer but to believe only that is a platitude. There are commit and choose to develop a reader's perception but I very few rulers who not only exceed in their might but they am thereby at the same time a legislator deciding for the also leave an impact on the people because of their mag- whole of mankind and in such a moment I cannot escape nificent policies. from the sense of complete and profound responsibility. In A colourful presentation by artistes at Zorawar Singh Auditorium Maharaja Gulab Singh was born in October 18, 1792 Jammu, where Gulab Singh has been seen as a tyrant in a Hindu Dogra family. His father, Kishore and has been projected in a negative light, Natrang tried when the play was presented to the people of Jammu, they Gulab singh was able to persuade the British. However, Singh Jamwal, was a distant kinsman of Jit Singh, the Raja to throw light on the most important and uncertainly the experienced enlightenment and took with them a story the Lahore durbar could not readily raise this sum, it ced- of Jammu. Gulab Singh grew up in the care of his grand- most relevant quality of an emperor. The debate about which had never been told and appreciated in our city. ed Kashmir, Hazarah and all the forts, territories, rights and father, Zorawar Singh, from whom he learned the arts of Gulab Singh has been riddled in an unanswerable vicious If we suppose that whatever things we see are illusions, interests in the hill countries situated between the Rivers horse riding and warfare. In 1808, when the Sikh army of circle and had been long forgotten. ICCR's Regional Direc- then we need to believe that none of the things the mem- Beas and Indus to the East Company, as equivalent Maharaja Ranjit Singh invaded Jammu, the 16-year-old tor Balwant Thakur took the daunting task by throwing light ory represents to have happened really did so. Kings and for one Crore of rupees. Gulab Singh fought for the people of Jammu. At such ten- on Gulab singh's unmatchable might, his astuteness, his rulers are personified by the people in so many different This is where Maharaja Gulab singh with his far-sight- der age he was ready to give up his life for the prestige far-sightedness, his intelligence and his diplomatic alert- ways that the real event or their efficiency is somehow edness and unshakable assertiveness negotiated with the and the name of his people. His forward looking behaviour ness. This was acknowledged in the form of a semi-musi- nothing but a memory. One such memory or event in the British by the means of a treaty called the Treaty of Amrit- and his constant optimism could be seen in his actions. He cal theatrical performance - 'Gulab Gaatha'. Noted lyricist history of Jammu and the history of rulers shows the sar, the Raja of Jammu, Gulab Singh, purchased Kashmir not only played the game with his might but he also han- and composer Brij Mohan render the lyrics and music. remarkable sense of alerted judgement of the Raja of jam- from the East India Company for a payment of 7,500,000 dled the strategic relation of Jammu diplomatically. The play tried to show a journey of a soldier who mu. After the subjugated defeat of the Sikh kingdom in the rupees (75 lakh) and was granted the title Maharaja of Jam- The greatness of leaders is not just in their works but First Anglu-Sikh war between 1845 and 1816, the Sikhs mu and Kashmir. He decided to pay the amount all by him- in the way they have been appreciated and personified in achieves great success at everything he initiates. His the eyes of the people. Napoleon was a military and polit- lost the paramountcy in the hands of the East India Com- self without the help of the Lahore durbar. He is famously unquestionable obligatory obedience towards Lahore Dur- ical hero of France and Alexander has been applauded for bar, his unconditional sacrifice and his conception of a king- pany. This led to the signing of the treaty of Lahore in 1846 known for paying 75 lakh to the British as a war-indemni- his greatness for his conquest. Gulab Singh as an emper- dom has been regarded and given value in the play. Many where the Sikhs were made to surrender the valuable ty and legally protecting the land of Kashmir from going or held the same qualities of being a courageous warrior. people in the city might not know the accurate realities of region (the Jullundur Doab) between the Beas River and into the hands of Britishers. He signed and negotiated the He was a normal person with no lineage of royalty but he the journey of Gulab singh and some might even believe Sutlej River. The Lahore Durbar was also required to pay TREATY OF AMRITSAR with British on 16th of March, established himself as a King with the help of his bravery in the interpretations presented to them. There have been an indemnity of two crores. This sum of money was nego- 1846. The treaty transferred the territories of Jammu, Kash- and continued to keep a hold on his empire because of his lot of instances of illusory judgements on Gulab Singh. So, tiated and brought down to 1.5 crore because Maharaja mir, Gilgit and Hunza (excluding Lahul) to his independent well-planned strategic and diplomatic intelligence.