A complete family ...Page 4 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2018 INTERNET EDITION : www.dailyexcelsior.com/magazine Overcome the ...Page 3 Tribute to the Empire Builder JP Singh In 1813, was particularly impressed by Gulab Maharaja rewarded with additional Jagirs. 1840. Reviving old Ladakhi claim to Tibet's Western dis- Maharaja Gulab Singh was born on 21 October Singh's performance in an otherwise disastrous campaign In 1820, Maharaja sent Gulab Singh on other cam- tricts, Gen Zorawar Singh, in May 1841, entered Tibet and against Afghan occupied Kashmir and rewarded him with paigns when he seized Rajouri and . In 1821, he swiftly captured Rudok and Gartok. Encouraged by easy 1792 at Andarwah, the estate of his father Mian Jagirs and promoted him to command a unit of 200 horse- captured the strong fort of Basohli. Same year he captured successes, the Dogra General continued to advance and Kishore Singh. He was descendent from one of men. Kishtwar by engineering dissension between Tegh succeeded in capturing strategic town of Taklakot thus cut- the famous Dogra clan which had inhabited In 1818, Gulab Singh took part in the invasion Singh and his Wazir Lakhpat Raj by writing an incrim- ting off the trade route between Tibet and British protec- of Multan. During the siege of Multan Fort, inating letter addressed to Wazir but made to torate of Bashahr and placed a Dogra contingent at a site area during the decline of Mughal he volunteered to rescue the body of land in Raja's hands. The Raja ordered cap- opposite the Company held office of Almora. Seeing this, rule in the 18th century. Maharaja's favorite commander ture of Wazir who nevertheless escaped. British forced Maharaja to order withdrawal who had fallen below the wall Taking advantage, Gulab Singh from Tibet. But before Raja Gulab Singh could make con- He received no formal education but was brought up as and despite heavy enemy fir- entered Kishtwar, arrested the Raja tact with Gen Zorawar Singh, the military situation in Tibet a warrior. At an early age, he became an accomplished ing brought it to safety and occupied the state. Wazir underwent a drastic change. Early in November, Lhasa horseman and proficient in the use of sword and gun. His which the Maharaja laud- Lakhpat Raj later joined the serv- sent an army of 10,000 to drive the from Tibet. elders inculcated in him a yearning to reassert the power ed publically in his ices of Dogra leader. After initial skirmishes the adversaries met on 10th of Dogra Clan lost to Sikhs. Court. Coronation December and began the fierce three days battle on the While Gulab Singh was still a youth, political scene in In 1819, he sought Maharaja Ranjit Singh shores of Mansarowar, Northeast of Taklakot. On 12th Punjab underwent a radical change which was to signifi- Maharaja's permis- was so elated by Gulab December 1841, Gen Zorawar Singh was fatally wounded cantly affect the entire Northwest. With Ahmed Shah sion to crush Jam- Singh's territorial acquisi- in the shoulder. The Dogras avenged their commander's Abdali's death in 1773, Afghan power began to decline giv- mu uprising led by tions that he anointed him death by slaying the Chinese commander. Dogra Gener- ing opportunities to Sikh Misls to rise in Punjab. The ambi- Mian Dido. Mian as Raja of Jammu on 17 al's death determined the outcome of the battle. Bereft of tious chief of one of the Misl, Sardar Mahan Singh attacked Dido moved the will to fight, survivors hurriedly dispersed to save Jammu during the reign of Ranjit Dev but failed. He again June 1822 at a place in around the coun- Akhnoor called Jeo Pota themselves. attacked during the rule of Brij Dev Raj and occupied Jam- try side with a Diplomatic Masterstroke mu but decided not to annex it. It was at this point of time by personally applying gang of his fol- When the Sikh army was finally routed in the Anglo- when Gulab Singh's grandfather Mian Zorawar Singh and the Raj Tilak in a color- lowers, bidding Sikh war in 1846, Raja Gulab Singh as prime minister of father Mian Kishore Singh managed to secure small estates ful ceremony. There- open defiance to , negotiated with the British and signed the of Dyman and Andarwah. The end of the eighteenth cen- after Raja Gulab Singh Sikh Ruler, rob- '' in which he secured most honorable tury saw the emergence of Mahan Singh's son Ranjit Singh was allowed to spend bing the wealthy terms for the defeated Darbar. In recognition of his auda- who destroyed all other Misls and declared himself the most of his time at Jam- and distributing Ruler of Punjab. Contemplating further territorial expan- mu governing Jagirs of cious leadership and superb diplomacy, Lord Hardinge, to destitute. He sion, Ranjit Singh attacked Jammu in 1808. Gulab Singh, his family and under- the Governor General of India, extended his rule to entire came to be known only 16, leaped into fray with fiery zeal and brandished his taking new expeditions J&K and elevated him to the status of Maharaja on 15th as Robin Hood of sword brilliantly in the battle of Gumat which forced Sikhs into adjoining areas. March 1846. By the 'Treaty of Amritsar' signed on 16 March Jammu Hills. to negotiate the end of war. Despite individual bravery of In 1830s, Gulab Singh 1846, he got control of Kashmir for which he paid Rs 75 Wherever Mian young Dogras like him and Mian Dido, Jammu was defeat- was given the responsibil- lakh and became sovereign ruler of J&K. ed and became part of Sikh Kingdom as Jagir of Prince Dido went people ity of administering Gulab Singh's rise to prominence is attributed to four . But the Sikh Commander Sardar Hukam used to offer him Gujarat and salt mines of salient features. (i) He was able, assiduous and robust, the Singh spotted Gulab Singh and brought his valour to the food and shelter. Pind Dadan Khan near qualities which earned him Maharaja's admiration. (ii) attention of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Therefore wily Gulab Jhelum. In 1836, Gulab Singh Generally soft spoken, gracious and affable, he could, if the Defeat of Dogras shattered Gulab Singh's aspirations. Singh impersonated as suppressed the rebellion of occasion demanded, transform himself into a cold blood- He left home in search of new avenue elsewhere. He went Dido and went around. Yusufzai Tribemen near Haz- ed schemer and savage tormentor. (iii) In his phenomenal Those who came forward to Peshawar where Shah Shuja, the deposed Afghanistan ara. (Pak Nobel Laureate Malala rise, he had tremendous support of his brothers Dhian to welcome him were pun- king, was raising an army attempting to regain his rule. Yusufzai belongs to this tribe). In Singh and Suchet Singh, who through their political acu- ished as a result people Despite an opportunity, he changed mind and returned 1837, Gulab Singh marched to men had acquired remarkable strength and patronage at refused to welcome Mian Dido home and went on to serve under the Raja of Kishtwar. On Poonch against Shamas-ud-Din Khan, Lahore Darbar. (iv) Lavish rewards for his services because either because he could be an the recommendations of Sardar Hukam Singh, Maharaja the man he had nominated to manage Sikh ruler was gratified by the degree Gulab Singh extend- impersonator or threat to their safe- Ranjit Singh, in 1810, enrolled him as Cavalryman. Jagirs of Dhian Singh. In 1839, Maharaja sent ed the borders of Sikh empire. ty. Bereft of support, Mian Dido returned Gulab Singh to Peshawar to assist his British Allies His Highness left for his heavenly abode on 30th August RISE OF DOGRAS IN LAHORE to his hometown Jagti. When Sikh troops sur- to cross the Khyber Pass during 1st Anglo-Afghan War. 1858 from Srinagar at the age of 66 having created a vast Gulab Singh stood out as a remarkable horseman and rounded his home, Dido escaped but his 90 years old father earned Maharaja's acclamation. Later he and his brothers Mian Hazari valiantly appeared with his sword but got Conquests of Ladakh, Gilgit and Tibet state of J&K. He is one of the few historical legacies that Dhian Singh and Suchet Singh acquired influential posi- killed in the fight. However Sikh soldiers caught up with The ambition to add new territories was certainly the India can be genuinely proud of. By extending borders too tions through their innate ability and high ambitions Mian atop Trikuta Hill. Gulab Singh was eager to take him factor behind Jammu Raja's decision to conquer Ladakh. far to the Northwest, he provided ample strategic depth to allegedly combined with a calculated use of intrigues and alive and hence gave Mian chance to surrender. Mian not Capture of Leh was to give control over important route the Capital of India. His contributions to the broad spec- ruthlessness. The alleged latter traits were abundantly only refused but struck Attar Singh at head with his sword between Tibet and Kashmir over which passed the lucra- trum of India's strategic, political and cultural spheres are exhibited by Gulab Singh on several military expeditions with a lightening speed bisecting the entire body. At last tive Pashmina trade. Through his able Gen Zorawar Singh, immense and laudable. sent by Maharaja Ranjit Singh to extend his boundaries. one soldier shot the dauntless Mian to death. On this he captured Ladakh in 1834-35 and Gilgit-Baltistan in J&K SHELTER HOMES Rajan Gandhi ger pocket money @ of Rs 30/- per inmate per month. Then there are seven Nari Niketans functioning in Jam- The recent incidents of Muzaffarpur in mu Division wherein deserted /destitute ladies/ widows Bihar and more recently of Deoria in having no means of livelihood are taken care of and total intake of all seven is just 255. The inmates shall remain in UP has not only shocked nation but the institution till they are rehabilitated or get married or every Indian is ashamed of what has covered under any schemes for employment and self employment. The inmates are being provided care and happened with forlorn children. protection in the institutions besides food, shelter, bed- Despite prevailing stringent laws systematic failure of ding and clothing are also being provided. For School administration to check the malice has come to fore as in going destitute girl free education is also provide in addi- Bihar case, husband of social welfare minister ,who tion to other facilities. The children accompanying the resigned, is alleged to be a regular visitor and in UP case mothers are also entitled to admission subject to the con- daughter of the accused is ICWD (Integrated Child Wel- dition that male children after they attain the age of six fare department) employee, supposed to implement and years shall be transferred to Bal Ashram. Ten Bal Ashrams safeguard government schemes but despite cancellation are running in Jammu Division wherein orphans/ neg- of their shelter home license both husband and wife, lected boys are given admission in these homes. Admis- sion is available to children (boys) irrespective of commu- defied orders to transfer girls to government run shelters ­Excelsior/Rakesh and were seen with District Magistrate in pictures sug- nity, class or category subject to the condition that he is an orphan, neglected or belongs to a poor family. Inmate gesting alleged collusion of authorities. In Deoria case, one intake of 75 candidates. The candidates must be between been filed in Jammu also regarding child abuse at special can stay in the institution from 6-16 years of age or pass ten year girl ran from shelter home, walked to police sta- the age of 14 to 40 years for craft trade and 16 to 25 yrs. homes or school for mentally retarded and physically chal- matriculation or higher secondary education, whichever tion to narrate her ordeal and got FIR registered whereas for stenography trade. The minimum qualification of the is earlier and total intake capacity is just 490 only. Then lenged children as well as financial assistance to private in Muzaffarpur case a Social Auditing was undertaken by female candidate should be middle or above for craft class there is one observation home at R.S.Pura in Jammu Dis- shelter homes which itself depicts that all is not well in our Mumbai's Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) as they and 12th pass or above for Stenography class. The month- trict established in 1988, where under trial, delinquent state also. Every centre/home should have private women were approached by Bihar government to conduct a social ly income of the family of the applicant should not exceed juveniles are kept under the observation where they are citizen as guiding member who is easily approachable by audit of 110 government-run or aided institutions .TISS Rs 1500/- for craft and Rs 1000/- for Stenography trade. provided with boarding, lodging and shelter. Besides this all inmates as well as day students. With sustained efforts team had a herculean task of winning the confidence of Lastly there is a Juvenile Home at Harwan Srinagar. counseling sessions are also being conducted time to time from one and all only then we can safeguard their rights. girls of Muzaffarpur shelter home as girls knew the These are the official statistics as per Social Welfare moment team gets out they are again at the mercy of same so that they may not conflict with the law in future. There Even Supreme Court has taken the issue very seriously Department but various NGO's are also running welfare group of criminals. But once girls got the clue that team is only one vocational centre in whole Jammu Division and asked the Central government to submit its report on centres and shelter homes in the whole state. In addition had come for them only, they spilled the beans of these with intake of 75 women and there are 78 Social Welfare auditing 8000 to 9000 shelter homes throughout India. to these there are crèche for children of poor women under beasts. During audit itself team knew something is terri- Centres and 15 Cottage Industry Centres with each CIC The audit report of Bihar which has come out in public Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme and there are four bly wrong at the shelter home but they couldn't investi- centre having an intake of 25 candidates. Working women domain is really scary with almost each and every shelter Swadhar Greh are also functional in J & K. With a partly gate further as it was beyond their scope of work assigned hostels are also there along with Gujjar-Bakerwal hostels home, be it for boys, girls or women, has its own story from monthly support of Rs.30/= or Rs. 100/= one can gauge as such they recommended for proper investigation and under other government departments as well as Red Cross beating, getting household jobs done to security guards the seriousness of government's efforts for upliftment of unfortunately few officers held up the concerned file for aided shelter homes for Divyangs. exploiting children to higher officials visiting these homes orphans, destitute women as no Social Audit of any of long and ultimately 14 of them got suspended. Similarly in Kashmir division there are 73 Social Wel- for sexual favours and the list is endless and the most Coming to our state, situation is no different as police fare Centres and these centers are shifted to new locations these centres would have been ever done . Official web site claims a daily expenditure of Rs. 100/= per day per inmate astonishing part is criminal silence of whole administra- rescued 19 minor children in the age group of 7 to 15 every two years in consultations with public representa- tion on the issue. allegedly molested and tortured by the pastor of local tives. Unemployed and less educated rural women in the on meals but certainly no quality check or audit would have been done over this also. There is no transparency It seems there is no one to fight on their behalf for their church. The issue came to light when the local residents age group of 15 to 35 years are imparted training in vari- rights in the whole country. Though a God fearing socie- reached the district administration to complain about the ous crafts so that they can become self dependent and are on the menu of eatables provided , is there any medical facility available for the inmates, are there any playing ty we have failed time and again to expose these sick mind- pastor who was running the unauthorized hostel. In Jam- able to earn their livelihood. Presently 1825 girls are being ed criminals. Let every MLA be assigned with additional mu shelter homes of different categories operate under imparted training in various trades like cutting, tailoring, facilities available for kids which are utmost important for the mental growth of these children. Recently only J&K duty to give compliance certificate of all guidelines by the supervision of Director Social Welfare Jammu with knitting, embroidery etc. A stipend of Rs.100 is paid per these centres/homes in his/her constituency along with seven different departments working under SWD as well month for 11 months. Then there are nine Cottage Indus- High Court has directed SWD to improve pathetic condi- yearly social audit. There is no harm in doing something as different NGOs. There is a residential school for blinds try Centres in Kashmir. Training in different trades like tions of CCIs. extra to safeguard these fellow human beings. Every citi- established for the protection, welfare and education of carpentry, dari making, willow work, leather making etc With the prevailing situation in whole country where zen has moral responsibility as well as duty to contribute the blind with an intake capacity of 25. A person having is being imparted through Cottage Industrial Centres every other day atrocities or mismanagements are blindness within the age group of 6 years to 21 years can being run by Social Welfare Department. Again a stipend exposed in various shelter homes, it becomes duty and from there end to uplift our fellow citizens. Let us all stay till graduation or 25 years of age, whichever is earli- of Rs.100 is paid per month for 11 months with total intake responsibility of our state administration also to go for pledge to keep an hawk's eye on these shelter homes/cen- er. The inmates are provided free education, vocational of 225. There are 11 residential homes (Bal-Ashrams) with social audit of all these centres or homes immediately. tres, together we can succeed in ensuring eradication of trainings for which they are found fit. In addition they are an intake capacity of 570 inmates. There are 6 residential Even in case of private NGO's no grant shall be provided such ruthless criminals from our society. being given lessons in music. Besides this the inmates are Homes for girls (Nari-Niketans) with an intake capacity without social audit report to safeguard children and "Our society cannot have peace unless we remember provided with clothing, free boarding, lodging and mea- of 175 inmates. There are 3 Ladies Vocational centres with women from exploitation. Various writ petitions have that we belong to each other."