JAMMU, OCT 24: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jammu and Kashmir, commemorated the birth anniversary of Sher-e-Duggar Pt. Prem Nath Dogra on Saturday, paying tribute to his contribution to the political and social history of Jammu and Kashmir and calling upon party workers to uphold his ideals of nationalism, public service and national unity.
The main commemorative programme was organised at Pt. Prem Nath Dogra Chowk in Jammu, where senior BJP leaders performed Hawan and Yagya before offering floral tributes at the statue of the veteran leader. The programme witnessed the participation of party representatives, legislators and senior functionaries, who recalled Dogra’s role in the Praja Parishad Movement and his advocacy of the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India.
BJP Jammu and Kashmir President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma, accompanied by former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh, MLAs Yudhvir Sethi, Vikram Randhawa, Arvind Gupta, Prof. Gharu Ram and Devyani Rana, along with party General Secretary Sanjita Dogra, led the tributes.
Addressing the gathering, Sat Sharma described Pt. Prem Nath Dogra as a prominent nationalist leader who dedicated his life to public service and the cause of national unity. He said Dogra’s political legacy remained closely associated with the movement for the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.
Recalling the Praja Parishad Movement, Sharma said Dogra had led a struggle during a challenging period in the region’s political history, when supporters of the movement raised the demand for the national flag to be accorded its due recognition. He said the sacrifices associated with the movement continued to inspire generations committed to national unity.
Sharma urged BJP workers to draw inspiration from Dogra’s life and principles, stressing the need to work with dedication for public welfare and the upliftment of weaker sections of society. He called upon the party cadre to translate the veteran leader’s ideals into meaningful public service and remain committed to addressing people’s concerns.
Former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh also paid tribute to Dogra, describing him as a towering personality whose life reflected nationalism, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to the people. He said Dogra’s role in the Praja Parishad Movement and his struggle over the honour of the national flag remained significant elements of his political legacy.
MLA Yudhvir Sethi said Dogra’s ideals continued to guide the nationalist movement in Jammu and Kashmir, while Ch. Vikram Randhawa described him as a symbol of courage and dedication to the nation.
MLA Arvind Gupta highlighted the relevance of Dogra’s legacy in encouraging selfless service to society, while Prof. Gharu Ram underlined his contribution to social upliftment and public welfare. MLA Devyani Rana said Dogra’s life continued to serve as an inspiration for younger generations, particularly in understanding the importance of commitment, sacrifice and service to the nation.
Sanjita Dogra, a member of Pt. Prem Nath Dogra’s family, emphasised the importance of carrying forward his ideals of nationalism and public service.
Several senior BJP functionaries attended the programme, including party Vice-President Priya Sethi, former Mayors Chander Mohan Gupta and Rajinder Sharma, party Secretaries Arun Sharma and Pawan Sharma, Treasurer Prabhat Singh Jamwal, former Deputy Mayor Purnima Sharma, Media In-charge Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, All Cells In-charge Ved Sharma and Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) President Arun Prabhat.
District President Advocate Rajesh Gupta conducted the proceedings, while District Prabhari Brijeshwar Rana expressed gratitude to party workers and members of the public for participating in the commemorative event.
The observance highlighted Pt. Prem Nath Dogra’s enduring place in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir, with BJP leaders using the occasion to reiterate their commitment to national unity, social welfare and public service.
