Most revered Dr. Karan Singh ji, members of his family, my good friend Manvender ji, and distinguished audience.
The historic regions of Shekhawati and Mewar in Rajasthan felt worlds apart from Jammu and Kashmir, especially during my teenage years, when faster modes of travel and communication were yet to bridge such vast distances. Yet, even then, one name managed to transcend that formidable gap—a name I often heard with admiration.
It was the name of a dashing young prince who presided over Jammu and Kashmir: Dr Karan Singh. Years later, I had the privilege of benefitting from his experience while being Parliamentarian, Union Minister, Governor WB and now VP.
More recently, I consider myself fortunate to engage with him on occasions, continuing to draw inspiration from his profound wisdom and invaluable guidance.
The last time I had the privilege of speaking about Dr Karan Singh was on the occasion of his 90th birthday. His journey in public service started the day he was born.
Limiting his contributions to just 75 years would hardly capture the breadth of his legacy. Born in France, he was figuratively baptised by fire, witnessing and participating in history in a way few can claim.
By the age of 16, he stood witness to the signing of the Instrument of Accession at a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. He didn’t just observe; he strengthened the very foundation of that historic document.
At 18, he assumed the role of Regent—a momentous occasion. I can only imagine the grandeur of that scene on June 20, 1949, when he arrived in Srinagar from Delhi as the Regent, welcomed by Sheikh Abdullah and his Cabinet at the airport. In that moment, he represented not just himself, but the strength and sovereignty of India during a critical juncture in our history.
Perhaps the organisers of today’s event had that momentous day in 1949 in mind when they chose to honour Dr Singh’s 75 years of public service.
It was around that same time that Dr Singh began a new chapter in his personal life, marrying the noble Nepalese princess, Yashorajya Lakshmi. Together, they both exemplified grace and dignity, endearing them to all who had the privilege of knowing them.
Many of my Dogra friends speak of Dr Singh’s personal qualities with admiration, praising wisdom and warmth, while remembering Yashorajya Lakshmiji with deep affection, love, and respect.
There is scarcely a positive sphere in the nation’s life that Dr Singh has not touched—be it parliamentary democracy, religion, culture, philosophy, diplomacy, literature, wildlife or the environment.
His contributions are vast and enduring. When the history of India’s former princes and their role in strengthening the country’s unity is written, Dr Singh will undoubtedly hold a place of great honour.
His decision to make a dramatic transition from the royal comforts—specifically, as the constitutional Head of State of J&K—to electoral politics in 1967 was a bold and visionary move.
In doing so, he achieved a historic milestone, becoming the youngest-ever member of the Union Cabinet at the age of 36 on March 13, 1967. This not only marked a turning point in his career but also signalled the arrival of the country’s youth, ready to take up the mantle of responsibility and shape the nation’s future.
Dr Singh has long been a champion of inter-faith harmony, advocating for it at numerous public meetings and conferences, many of which are well documented. Over the years, he has become such a prominent figure in the realm of spirituality and philosophy that his name naturally arises whenever great thinkers are mentioned.
Speak of Vivekananda, and Dr Karan Singh comes to mind. Mention Aurobindo, and Dr Singh stands out as one of his most learned disciples. His vast body of work, comprising scores of books, reflects the depth of his intellectual pursuits. A true poet-philosopher, he has explored subjects as diverse as philosophy, spirituality, and the environment.
His deep love for his mother tongue, Dogri, is evident in the numerous books he has authored.
Perhaps one of his most underappreciated achievements is his pivotal role in conserving India’s national animal, the tiger. If the tiger remains a symbol of India’s wildlife heritage and its survival is ensured through the “Project Tiger” initiative, it is largely due to Dr Singh’s unwavering commitment. It’s no surprise, then, that he himself has sometimes been affectionately referred to as the “Tiger” for his tenacity and strength in both thought and action.
Dr Singh’s simplicity, humility and warm demeanour are widely admired. His remarkable achievements have consistently served the greater good, benefiting both society and the nation.
His mastery over body and mind is extraordinary, reflecting his deep inner discipline. In his presence, one cannot help but feel that a man of such stamina, intellect, and erudition is more than capable of navigating the complexities of political life with ease.
Dr Karan Singh is amongst the few who had the benefit of being insider of politics with outside vision and outside politics with inside focus for over 75 years. He in that sense is older than the Republic.
I seek to avail on this momentous occasion the opportunity to appeal to Dr Singh and the like as also intelligentsia to bear influence on issues that concern our nation. I will advert a few such.
Dr Singh has over seven decades witnessed the rise of the nation, presently in unprecedented economic upsurge and on incremental developmental trajectory, well set to be a developed nation @2047, if not earlier.
Convergence of forces within and without inimical to Bharat is concerning. So also anti national narratives. There is need for concerted endeavours to influence national mood so as to neutralise these pernicious forces.
Executive governance is exclusive to the Executive, as are legislation to legislatures and verdicts to courts. Exercise of executive authority by either Judiciary of Legislature is not in consonance with democracy as also constitutional prescriptions. This is established position as the executive for governance is alone accountable and answerable to the legislature and courts.
Executive governance by the judiciary is jurisprudentially and jurisdictionally beyond constitutional sanctification. However, this aspect is engaging active attention of the people indicating in their perception umpteen such instances. This significant aspect calls for deep reflection at the level of distinguished people such as Dr Singh and the like, the intelligentsia and the academia. This influencing category needs to act as beacon for catalysing healthy enlightening national discourse to ensure deference to constitutional essence. This would wholesomely contribute to blossoming of democracy and nurturing constitutional spirit and essence in all humanity so I appeal.
Friends, I am indeed humbled, this is a moment for me to ever cherish to be at this place in this position, on this occasion I pray almighty to bestow his extreme indulgence on Dr. Singh so that he continues to be with us and serve the nation and humanity by his sublime qualities stirring behaviour and a man of erudition.
