Maharaja Hari Singh’s First and Last Radio Speech

On December 1, 2023, Radio in Jammu and Kashmir completed its 76 years of existence. It was on December 1, 1947 at 6.30 pm that Radio in the erstwhile Princely State of J&K started functioning from Jammu. Maharaja Hari Singh, who had acceded to Indian Dominion the same year on October 26, was the first person to make the historic speech from the makeshift Studios set up in Ranbir High School. Incidentally, It was  also his last Radio speech!

The news agency — Associated Press of India (API) formed in British India, had next day ( December 2) carried and circulated Maharaja Hari Singh’s inaugural speech. The Maharaja had justified his decision to accede to the Indian Dominion. He had also extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, Home and I&B Minister, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel and Defence Minister, Sardar Baldev Singh for their help in coming to the rescue of the people of his State.

Maharaja Hari Singh had also all praise for Sheikh Mohd Abdullah, “the leader of the courage’’ and his Prime Minister, Mehr Chand Mahajan “whose advise was of greatest value to him.’’

On the occasion, the Maharani of Jammu and Kashmir had  also spoken from Jammu Radio and appealed Kashmiris not to get panicky in the face of the crisis through which they were passing.

Kashmir Rechords is reproducing the transcribed speech of both Maharaja Hari Singh and Maharani of the Princely State.

Maharaja’s Inaugural Radio Speech

“Jammu, Dec 2: Inaugurating Jammu broadcasting service yesterday the Maharaja of Kashmir said that he was speaking at a time when severe fighting was going on at several fronts between the aggressors and the armies of the Kashmir state and of the Indian Dominion. He appealed to his people to have faith and courage and meet the crisis with strength and hope’’

“The Maharaja added: “A new chapter is being written in the history of my people, the people of the state. Momentous decisions have been taken. We have acceded to the Indian Dominion. We had to take this historic decision in a state of emergency owing to acts of aggression committed on our integrity’’

“My Government had no direct means of stating the true fact before our people or the public at large. By the kindness of the Government of the Indian Dominion to which government we are indebted in several ways, I am today speaking from the Radio Station at Jammu”.

“I wish to take this opportunity of conveying the thanks of my people and my Government and myself of the Indian Dominion for all their help rendered to us in our greatest hour of need. To Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Sardar Baldev Singh, I wish to convey our gratitude. It is known to my people that it is my earnest desire that the act of establishing responsible Government in the State should be promulgated so that the new constitution may begin to function as early as possible’’

“I am glad that amongst my people there is in the person of Sheikh Abdullah, at the moment a leader of courage who has given a hope to them at this critical puncture point. I am confident that in collaboration with my Prime Minister, Mr. Mahajan whose advise  has been of the greatest value to me in the hour of crises they will work for peace and prosperity.’’

“I wish to say that officers and other ranks of my Army have fight with exemplary bravery in spite of the adverse circumstances and against exceedingly heavy odds. This, I am sure that they will continue to do’’.

Maharani’s Appeal to Kashmiris

“Jammu, Dec. 2. The Maharani of Jammu and Kashmir in broadcast from Jammu Radio yesterday asked Kashmiris not to get panicky in the face of the crisis through which they were passing but meet it coolly and calmly. She appealed to them to maintain peace and thereby serve the state and said that where the Muslims were in a majority, they should protect the Hindus and Sikhs and where Hindus and Sikhs were in majority they should protect the Muslims –A.P.I’’