Soz exhorts leaders to adopt principles of Dogra

JAMMU: To commemorate 24th death anniversary of Congress stalwart and former Finance Minister, Pt. Girdhari Lal Dogra, an impressive function was organized today at the Girdhari Lal Dogra Chowk, near Jammu University to pay homage to the late leader.
A galaxy of political leadership irrespective of party affiliation, prominent personalities, and a large number of Congress workers from across the State paid floral tributes to the late leader and highlighted his contribution for Jammu and Kashmir.
Prominent among those who participated in the ceremony included, former Union Minister and JKPCC chief, Prof. Saif-ud-Din Soz, former Deputy Chief Minister, Pt. Mangat Ram Sharma, Minister for School Education, Peerzada Mohammad Syed, Minister for Health, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Medical, Technical Education, Mr. R.S.Chib, Minister for Revenue, Mr. Raman Bhalla, MP Mr. Madan Lal Sharma, MLAs Ms. Indu Pawar, Mr. Ashok Khajuria, senior Congress leader Mr. Dharam Paul Sharma, Vice Chairman, Gujjars & Bakarwal, Mr. B.A.Naz, Vice Chairman for the welfare of OBC, Mr. Kuldeep Verma, former Minister S. Manjit Singh, Lal Mohammad Sabir, Shiv Dev Singh, Parkash Sharma and several corporators.
Lauding the contribution of Pt. Girdhari Lal Dogra in the development of Jammu and Kashmir, Prof. Soz said that leaders of his stature are very rare in today’s political life. He said real tributes to this legendary will be to follow his footsteps and fulfill his unfinished tasks. He described Dogra Sahib a hard working, honest, dedicated and leader of masses, who worked tirelessly for the uplift of poor and downtrodden sections of the society. His contribution to the State is matchless and an inspiration for the younger generation.
He exhorted the leaders to take a pledge to selflessly serve the people, with honesty and dedication to further strengthen the bonds of mutual brotherhood and national integration, for which Dogra strived till his last breath. He also called for eradicating social evils from society with collective efforts.
Prof. Soz also suggested bringing out a book on the achievements of late Girdhari Lal Dogra so that people, particularly the younger generation could know about the life of this great leader. He asked the Congress Ministers and former MLA and brother of deceased, Mr. Ram Dass Dogra to initiate and highlight his works in the book
Pt. Magat Ram Sharma, while throwing light on the life of late Girdhari Lal Dogra, said that his style of functioning was unique and always advocated the cause of poor and distressed class. His contribution will continue to inspire the coming generations. He asked the present leadership to adopt the principles of simplicity and honesty, which were established by Dogra Sahib. He also called for giving political representation to one of the family member of late leader.
Mr. Sham Lal Sharma in his brief address, highlighted the contribution of the late Congress leader in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. He described Pt. Dogra as an able political leader with greater vision, who established high principles in political circle which are the source of inspiration for all Congressmen even today. He exhorted for a common pledge to root out corruption from the society which is weakening the base of society.
Mr. R .S.Chib described Pt. Girdhari Lal Dogra as a visionary leader whose name will remain alive in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. His contribution, especially for the distressed class is laudable and present leadership must adopt his principles of simplicity and honesty, he added.
Mr. Raman Bhalla while elaborating on the life of late leader said that high tradition of political calibre and ethics established by Girdhari Lalji should be carried forward in letter and spirit. He said need of the hour is to strengthen the unity, integrity and secularism for which the late leader fought throughout. We all should work together to fulfill his unfinished dreams, he added.
Mr. Madan Lal Sharma, Ms. Indu Pawar, Mr. Ashok Khajuria, Prof. Jatinder Singh also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the contribution of this visionary leader towards the society.