Pt. Prem Nath Dogra: Sher-e-Duggar

Pt. Prem Nath Dogra is a famous political and social leader of Jammu and Kashmir. Dogra Shaib was a true nationalist and a great patriot and his contribution in founding and launching the agitation under the banner of Prja Parshad cannot be exaggerated. This movement was the apt reply to the forces inimical to the countries unity, integrity and above all nationalism. Prem Nath Dogra had a humble beginning and he was born in a humble family of Brahmins in village Smailpur some twenty kms from Jammu. He was born on 24th October 1884. Panditjee completed his basic education in his village and passed matriculation in 1904 from Lahore. He also did graduation and was appointed as Tehsildar at Akhnoor by the then British government. In 1910 Pt. Jee was posted at Udhampur as Assistant settlement officer. Later on he was deputed to Jammu with the powers of Munsiff. In 1931 Pandit jee was appointed as Wazir Wazar-e-Wazarat at Muzafarabad, where he became very popular among the people. Due to the administrative efficiency and skills it was possible to keep Muzaffaraabad away from the influence of the communal elements of then Kashmir. As mentioned at the outset Pandit jee was a true nationalist and always wanted the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.For this noble cause he made great sacrifices during his life. He led the struggle for "Ek Nishan, Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan’’. He opposed the separate flag and constitution for Jammu and Kashmir. 

Pandit jee opposed Sheikh Abdullah’s plan of hoisting state flag in Jammu and PtJee hoisted tricolour in Jammu and he along with Shyam Lal Sharma were arrested for hoisting national flag. This was a turning point in his life and politics as well as leadership. The arrest of Pandit Jee and Shyam Lal Sharma marked the beginning of the historic Satyagraha in Jammu. Pandit Jee was a great social worker and worked for the upliftment of the marginalised sections of the society. He worked for the welfare of the lower sections of the people. To him untouchability was an evil and curse on humanity. He also supported the Maharaja Hari singh in his social reforms.Pandit Jee took other important organisations of that time such as Brahmin Mukhia Mandal and Sanatan Dhram Sabha into confidence for the eradication of untouchability. He also coordinated with Arya samaj for the removal of caste system. His contribution for the eradication of untouchability in Jammu was next to none. His dedication and efficiency was duly recognised by Maharaja and he was nominated as a member of the first Praja Sabha in 1934.He favoured ban on liquor and also opposed it in the legislative assembly during the rule of Bakshi Gulam Mohammed. He worked for the welfare of the aged and poor. Pandit Jee also founded Vridh Ashram at Ved Mandir for taking care of old aged and handicapped. He was an educationist par excellence and advocated for inclusive education for the young generation. He also advocated that both Hindi and Urdu should be taught in schools and opposed the communal education of National Conference government. 

Pandit Jee said much importance should be given to vocational education to tackle the problem of unemployment and it shows that Pandit Jee was a man of foresight. It goes to his credit that initially the NCERT books were included in school curriculum. He was a popular and mass leader and people of all faiths loved and respected him. In fact he was the darling of the people. His principle was simple living and high thinking and he lived a simple life worthy of emulation. He kept his doors open for all people and was admired by people of all religions. Pandit Jee did not have his own vehicle and he often walked on foot. People came with their personal problems and family issues to him for their redressal.He used to travel far off places in buses or in ponies. He was a multidimensional person and a great and true son of the soil and Jammuities deserve pride for having given birth to such a great personality. It will take much space to describe the works done by him for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He was a noble and great soul, a true patriot, a nationalistic to core, a social reformer, able and efficient administrator and above all a good human being. 

We should follow his teachings to be successful in life. In 1947, Pandit Jee was instrumental in forming and founding Jammu Praja Parishad party along with Balraj Madhok, which served as a local political arm of RSS. He was later elected as the president of Bharatiya Jana sangh in 1955 for a brief period. Pandit Prem Nath Dogra was a legendry Dogra leaders who was widely admired by the people of his time cutting across the religions. The life of Pandit Jee was full of ups and downs but he worked tirelessly and with determination for the welfare of the people and for integrating Jammu and Kashmir with India. His goal was service to society and nation as service to country was uppermost in his mind. He passed away on 21st March 1973 and his death was widely mourned by the people from all walks of life. Let us carry forward his teachings and work for the unity and integrity of the motherland and this will be the best tribute to this legendary leader.

(Omkar Dattatray)