Centre cuts urban reforms grant by 10 pc, J&K to ... - Daily Excelsior

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 03, 2013 INTERNET EDITION : www.dailyexcelsior.com/magazine
Last Governor of Gilgit
O P Sharma
There are numerous shining stars on
the horizon of Jammu and Kashmir who
have made rich contribution to the society.
While many are still living and making
their mark in various spheres of human
activities and some have passed into history,
the EXCELSIOR, a leading newspaper
has been putting focused light on
them. Some illustrious sons of the soil by
their daring deeds and selfless service are
just like beacon-light for the youngsters.
One of such proud figures of Jammu
and Kashmir was Brigadier Ghansar
Singh (1895-1991), who strolled on the
scene during a crucial period of this sensitive
and strategic State’s history. Being
the first Graduate from the Rajput community,
he had eventful career in the J&K
State Force, as he was appointed on pivotal
post of Governor of Gilgit during the
critical period of August, 1947.
Critical Assignment
It may be noted that Gilgit area, having
borders touching Russia, China and newly
created Pakistan, was also part of Jammu
and Kashmir State but was on lease to
British India. And after lapse of British Paramouncy
on August 1, 1947 the Gilgit area
was reverted to the J&K State Brigadier
Ghansar Singh was appointed by Maharaja
Hari Singh as its Governor at a critical period
of history. The Governor found Gilgit in
deep turmoil and due to Pak sponsored and
British officers-aided rebellion of a section
from the State Force, Ghansar Singh was
captured and sent to Pakistan. Brig.
Ghansar Singh was later released and he
came back to Jammu and Kashmir.
A detailed account of the events has been
vividly narrated in the chapter titled “How
Pakistan Occupied Gilgit-A First Hand
Account” in the book “Maharaja Hari Singh”
published in 1995 by Har Anand Publications,
New Delhi. He has authored the book:
“Gilgit Before 1947” published in 1983.
Shiv Kumar Padha
Topographically, Jammu and Kashmir is crown of
mother India studded with beautiful gems like Jammu,
Kashmir and Ladakh. The entire state, being hilly, has
been gifted with many scenic sites in all the three regions
like high snow clad mountains, green pastures, roaring
water falls, meadows, vast stretches of snow and water
and rattling brooks.
Owing to natural beauty the whole of Kashmir region
is called the Switzerland of India. The well developed
and maintained mughal gardens, beautiful lakes,
stretches of snow and other tourist places attract a vast
number of tourists across the globe every year, but at
the same time there is no dearth of picturesque landscapes,
enchanting valleys, forest grooves, springs of
clear and sweet water, cascades, and flora and fauna
in Ladakh and Jammu regions of the state. Till now the
world has been shown only the brighter side of the beautiful
moon, while other side of it remained invisible to the
world.
Rajouri, Poonch, Bhaderwah, Kathua and other districts
of Jammu region have numerous places which
have immense tourist potential. A slight attention of the
government towards their development can help rejuvenate
the tourist industry of the state and bring its economy
again on the rails. Basohli and Bani tehsils of district
Kathua are famous for the beauty bestowed by the
bountiful nature. With the completion of cable stayed
bridge over river Ravi by the beginning of 2014, Basohli,
which is the confluence of three states, will not only
become the gate way of Jammu and Kashmir but will be
known as the first tourist place on the threshold of Jammu
and Kashmir with a number of other beautiful and
exciting tourists spots en route Basohli, Bani, Bhaderwah
road which have remained un noticed. On crossing
the Ravi Bridge, one will find himself in a quite different
world like the one experiences after crossing
Jawahar tunnel. The vast stretch of 88 sq. kms. Ranjeet
sagar lake below, the picturesque Basohli town surrounded
by the Shivaliks, the old world known palaces,
the fort shrine of Mata Chanchlo Devi, Sunan Ghat, the
cool spot at the lower altitude, Dhar Mahanpur, Jaurian
Mata shrine and the endless chain of many more places
have remained hidden to the tourists and have never
been brought in the lime light till date.
Ranjeet Sagar Lake
The 88 sq. kms. fresh water lake came into existence
as a result of ponding of the RS dam (Thein Dam). The
back water of the lake surrounds Basohli from three sides
which adds to the beauty of the town. There is a wide
scope of developing back water tourism in the lake by
making arrangements for aquatic games, floating restaurants,
shikaras, and house boats. A safe and protected
bird sanctuary for the migratory birds along the sides of
the lake can help save the rare and the endangered
species of the birds. There is wide scope for opening
training institute for rescue operations during water disasters
and NCC naval wing for providing actual training
instead of simulated to the cadets.
Administrative Skill
In an exclusive interview to EXCELSIOR,
Surinder Singh emotionally talked about his
father, Brig. Ghansar Singh’s repatriation
from Pakistan via Suchetgarh border on January
1, 1949. He recalled the re-union of
family as a matter of fate and rejoicing as
Brig Ghansar Singh continued his innings for
over 42 years occupying important positions
and rendering service to the society.
Ghansar Singh’s other two elder sons
Arjun Singh retired as Naval Commander,
while as Brig B S Jamwal after retirement
settled down in Noida while Surinder Singh
is residing in Jammu.
He became president of Dharmarth Trust
in 1950 and remained on this post for long
26 years and contributed to looking after the
temples and shrines as also promoting the
religious sentiments among the people. He
had a brief stint in politics as well. During
Lok Sabha elections in 1967 he got elected
from Kathua-Udhampur-Doda constituency
but soon resigned in favour of Dr. Karan
Singh who later bagged this Lok Sabha seat.
It is noteworthy that he remained as Member
of Legislative Council and also served
for a brief period as acting Chairman of the
Upper House of the State Legislature. Born
on January 21, 1895 in the family of Thakur
Suram Singh in the village Raipur, 10 km
north-west of Jammu city, he had his early
education in Jammu and graduated in 1971
from Prince of Wales College (now GGM
Science College, Jammu) by earning the
distinction of being the first graduate from
the Rajput community. He was selected as
Wazir Wazarat (Deputy Commissioner) in
1919 but on completion of training, he was
transferred to J&K State Forces on January
20, 1920. Through dedication, loyalty and
competence, he climbed the Army ladder
and rose to become Brigadier in September,
1934.
Career in State Forces
After commanding Kashmir Brigade
(1934-38) and Jammu Brigade (1939-42),
he was promoted as Brigadier General Staff
Monuments
The remains of Basohli palaces which had square
turrets, open parapets, projecting windows, Chinese
roofed balconies have been mentioned as the finest
buildings in the east by the French traveler Vigne. If
these ruinous palaces are properly preserved and maintained
by the Archeological Department, they can still
unveil many historical facts regarding the Dugaar State.
Grade-I. This post he held till mid-1947 when
he was chosen by Maharaja Hari Singh on
July 1, 1947 as Governor of Gilgit area. He
took over new assignment on August 1. After
the passage of the Indian Independence Act,
1947 by the British Parliament came to the
creation of India and Pakistan as separate
countries. The J&K State later had joined
India by signing of Instrument of Accession
by Maharaja Hari Singh on October 27, 1947
and this decision had the full support of the
most popular leader Sheikh Mohammad
Abdullah.
Brig. Ghansar Singh was deeply moved by
the neglect and sufferings of ex-Faujis of
Jammu and Kashmir and formed the J&K Ex-
Servicemen Association for looking after their
welfare. Years later this organization was rechristened
as the J&K Ex-Service League.
Social Services
It is worth mentioning that he played a significant
role in the setting up of Sainik School
at Nagrota in 1972. This educational institution
has come of age now and is imparting
quality education to the students in this part
of the country. The BGS Higher Secondary
School, Barnai has also been set up in his
memory and is being looked after by Vijay
Singh grand son of Brig. Ghansar Singh.
Replying to a question, Mr Surinder Singh
said that his father was a strict disciplinarian,
punctual in his work, a man of integrity
and full of patriotism. He would always command
respect by his fair deals and invariably
taught moral values and discipline in the family.
He remained a member of Anti-Corruption
Committee for a short while.
He undertook several social reforms,
especially related to the cause of widows
and farmers. He was member of Backward
Classes Committee set up following Gajendragadkar
Commission’s recommendations.
During 1976, age started telling on his
health and he resigned from the presidentship
of Dharmarth Trust. Thereafter, he
led a retired life and breathed his last on January
22, 1991.
(Starline Syndicate Service)
Starting light and sound program in the ruins based on
the local themes can attract a good number of visitors
from within an outside the state.
Fort shrine of Mata Chanchlo Devi
The fort which houses Mata Chanchlo Devi temple
also was built by the Rajas of Pal dynasty of Basohli
state on the peak of the hill which is highest among the
surrounding hills in its vicinity. The fort shrine is encir-
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UNEXPLORED BEAUTY OF BASOHLI
The fort shrine is encircled by the lake water from
three sides and is situated in the middle of the thick
forest which echoes with the crowing of fowls and
cawing of peacocks. While standing on the view point
of the fort, one can have a panoramic view of the town
Basohli and that of RSD Lake below.
A view of Ranjit Sagar Lake
cled by lake water from three sides and is situated in
the middle of the thick forest which echoes with the crowing
of fowls and cawing of peacocks. While standing on
the view point of the fort one can have panoramic view
of the town Basohli and that of RSD Lake below. The
view of the lake and that of the town from the fort at night
hours resembles the one seen from the Shankeracharya
temple of Srinagar. Providing Gandola service
from the town to the fort, developing beautiful public park
like the one at Bahu fort temple and arranging Para gliding
sport from the heights of the fort can go a along way
in promoting tourism in this part of the State.
Dhar Mahan Pur
Dhar Mahan Pur though a small village is known for
its beautiful ridges, grooves of cheel trees, lush green
steep pastures, springs of sweet water throughout the
state. It is situated at a height of 4000 ft. from the sea
level at the top of one of the hills of Sivalik ranges. One
can have the view of some of the froms of the Punjab at
night time from this spot. Apart from the forest produces
like resin, it is also known for milk and milk products like
khoya and paneer. Pails of milk are supplied to the nearby
towns from Dhar Mahanpur every day. If the scenic
spots of the place are developed and tourists huts are
constructed, then there will be addition of one more
tourist spot in the vicinity of Basohli. Sunan Ghat presents
a different soothing environment even during the
scorching heat of summer. Though situated at a very low
height Sunan Ghat is a small valley with a different pattern
of seasons.
Jourian Mata shrine
Jourian Mata shrine is about 55 Kms. away from
Basohli and is situated at a height of 6500 ft. from the
sea level. The shrine gives an enchanting view with
grooves of deodar and oak trees. The white sheep
grazing on the steeps look like gems studded in the
mountains. The sun and mist present a charming view
when they play hide and seek during the day time.
Lacs of devotees throng the shrine every year during
the navratras every year. Constructing huts and developing
a golf ground like the one at Naldheri in H.P. on
the 10 Kms. long ridge will add one more feather in
the cap of tourist department of Jammu And Kashmir
State.
Places like Bani, Panyalag, Dhagar, Dullangal,
Lowang and Sarthal enroute Basohli, Bani, Bhaderwah
road offer multi dimensional tourism which needs to be
improved, developed, preserved and promoted. The
state government will have to come out from the cocoon
of Kashmir centric politics and work out new modalities
to ensure balanced development of all the three regions
of the state. Providing connectivity and developing new
spots of tourism in Jammu and Ladakh regions, for
which they have the capacity but remain un noticed, will
rejuvenate the tourist industry of the state and forge better
integrative atmosphere among the people.
"Ghoongat ki aad mein dilber ka deedar adhoora
rehta hai, jab tak na padey aashiq ki nazar shingar
adhoora rehta hai'