Pandit Prem Nath Dogra

21/03/2021

Early Life: Pandit Prem Nath Dogra was born on 24 October 1884 in a noble family in village Smailpur which is about 20 km from Jammu. He completed his basic education in his village and for further education went to Lahore. After passing his matriculation in 1904, he got admitted in foreman Christian college.
Pandit ji as an Administrator: In 1908 Pandit ji completed his graduation and come back to Jammu. Impressed with his brilliant performance in education he was appointed as Tehsildar Akhnoor by Settlement commissioner of Jammu Mr Talbert. From here his administrative carrier was started. In year 1910 Pandit ji was posted at Udhampur as Assistant Settlement Officer and then in 1912 deputed at Jammu with powers of Munsiff. Upto the death of Maharaja Pratap Singh, Pandit ji rose to higher position in the Revenue department. Even Maharaja Hari Singh recognizing his administrative capabilities continued to retain Pandit ji in Revenue Department. In 1931 he was appointed as Wazir-e-Wazarat at Muzafrabad, where he became very popular among the subjects. It was Pandit ji great administrative skills and efficiency which kept away the Communal influence of the valley based leaders in the area of Muzaffarabad.
Pandit ji as a true Nationalist: As a true nationalist, Pandit ji had always favoured the complete integration of State of Jammu and Kashmir with the Union of India. For this Pandit ji relentlessly led the struggle for "Ek Nishan, Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan". Pandit ji opposed any kind of distinct flag or Constitution to be granted to Jammu and Kashmir. In this line Pandit ji protested against the Sheikh Abdulla's plan of hoisting state flag and advocated that only National Flag i.e. Trianga should be hoisted in Jammu and for this Pandit ji along with Sham Lal Sharma got arrest while hoisting national flag in Jammu and this event marked the beginning of historic Satyagraha.
Pandit ji as great Social Reformer: Pandit Prem Nath dogra worked for welfare and upliftment of the lower sections of the Society. He considered Untouchability as n evil and curse on humanity. He led his strong support to Maharaja Hari Sing's social reforms. He took into confidence other important organizations of that time such as Brahmin Mukhia Mandal and Sanatan Dharam Sabha and convinced them to work for eradication of untouchability and also for eradication of Untouchability. Pandit ji also coordinated with Arya Samajis in this mission of ending evil of caste system.
This dedication of Pandit ji was duly recognized by Maharaja Hari Singh by nominating him as a member of the first Praja Sabha in 1934.
Pandit ji favoured ban on Liquior: Pandit Prem Nath Dogra considered liquior as evil due to its worst consequences on Society. Pandit ji even raised the demand of prohibition on liquior in State Assembly by replying to Bakshi Gulam Mohd. "You do offer liquior to visitors but in Jammu come pilgrims to Vaishno Devi, they donot come for taking liquior".
Pandit ji travelled throughout Jammu region to highlight the ill consequences of consuming liquior.
Pandit ji's concern for old age and Poor: Pandit Prem Nath Dogra showed human concern as a true son of cultured civilision following the Dharma in true spirit as a part of it, Pandit ji founded Vridh Ashram at Ved Mandir for taking care of old aged and (handicapped) divyang.
Pandit ji as an Educationist: Pt. Prem Nath Dogra advocated an inclusive education policy to be adopted and taught to younger generation. Pt. ji advocated that both hindi and Urdu should be taught to students in schools & rejected the Communalizing of education by National Conference govt. at that time. Pandit ji advocated the education to be job oriented i. e more focus on vocational education, so that the problem of unemployment could be tackled. It was due to the relentless efforts of Pandit ji that NCERT book was included in School curriculam.
Pandit ji as a Mass Leader: Pandit ji was perhaps only leader of that time who was followed and admired by all the sections of society cutting across all regions. Pandit ji used to live a very simple life. Pt. ji kept his doors open for all. Even the people often come to get settle their family disputes as he was honoured as the head of the family.
Pandit ji never had his own vehicle in life and mostly used to walk on foot. As a common person Pandit ji used to travel by buses and ponies to travel for off places.
Pandit Prem Nath Dogra ji was a multifaceted personality and great son of the soil. Words would fall short to describe the Pandit ji's works undertaken by him for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Pandit ji was a remarkable soul, a true nationalist, a great social reformer, and able and efficientadministrator and many more. The true tribute to Pandit ji would be by following the teachings and footprints life behind to us.
(Views expressed are personal)

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