University of Jammu organizes Public Lecture on ‘100 Years of Coronation of Maharaja Hari Singh’

JAMMU: The Department of Strategic and Regional Studies (DSRS), University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Department of History, University of Jammu, and the Jammu and Kashmir Study Centre (JKSC), organised a public lecture to commemorate the “100 Years of the Coronation of Maharaja Hari Singh” and his birth anniversary.

The event served as a significant occasion for academia, civil society, and students to revisit the legacy of the last Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, whose coronation in 1925 continues to hold historical, political, and cultural importance for the region. The program was chaired by Prof. Suman Jamwal, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Head, Department of History, University of Jammu, while the keynote address was delivered by Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, distinguished faculty member at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu.

In his keynote lecture, Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal offered a comprehensive strategic and governance-oriented perspective on the reign of Maharaja Hari Singh. He analysed the Maharaja’s policies within the broader framework of colonial India and the political landscape of princely states. Emphasising the Maharaja’s vision of autonomy and justice, Prof. Lal explored his complex role during the tumultuous years leading to India’s independence. He highlighted that the Maharaja’s forward-looking emphasis on equality before law continues to inspire contemporary governance and legal reforms.

Prof. Lal also noted that Maharaja Hari Singh’s legacy should not be confined to historical memory alone but recognised as an ongoing influence on the region’s collective identity. He remarked, “Celebrating such milestones is essential to understand our history not merely as a matter of the past, but as a living legacy that continues to shape our collective identity and aspirations.”

Delivering the presidential address, Prof. Suman Jamwal reflected on the Maharaja’s socio-political vision and his progressive reforms in education, administration, social justice, and women’s rights. She observed that justice was his true religion, guiding his policies and governance. Prof. Jamwal underlined that the Maharaja’s coronation in 1925 was not merely a ceremonial event but marked the beginning of transformative reforms that reshaped the socio-economic fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. His contributions in modernising institutions, strengthening administrative systems, and upholding the rule of law were presented as hallmarks of his enduring legacy.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Prof. Virender Koundal, Director, DSRS, extended greetings to the gathering and introduced the theme of the lecture. He highlighted the significant role played by Maharaja Hari Singh in the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India and noted the importance of remembering his contributions in shaping the region’s history.

The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Mohd Monir Alam, who acknowledged the collaborative efforts of DSRS, the Department of History, and JKSC in organising the lecture. He also expressed gratitude to the speakers, faculty members, and participants for their meaningful engagement in commemorating the centenary of Maharaja Hari Singh’s coronation.

The public lecture witnessed enthusiastic participation from civil society members, scholars, and students. Distinguished attendees included members of JKSC, youth leader Shri Arun Prabhat Jamwal, Brig. (Retd.) Vijay Sagar Dheman, Dr. Suman Verma, Dr. Ganesh Malhotra, Dr. Ranjan Sharma, Dr. Sunil Kumar, along with research scholars and students from various departments of the University of Jammu.

The lecture not only celebrated a historic milestone but also created a platform for revisiting the Maharaja’s vision in contemporary contexts. Through scholarly engagement and critical reflection, the event highlighted how Maharaja Hari Singh’s ideals of justice, equality, and reform remain relevant for modern governance and society.