Today marks a historic milestone as Dr. Karan Singh, a venerable statesman and former Sadr-i-Riyasat of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, completes an exceptional 75 years of dedicated public service. Appointed as regent by his father, Maharaja Hari Singh, in 1949, Dr. Singh has exemplified unwavering commitment to the nation, holding numerous esteemed positions over the decades.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Karan Singh has been a stalwart in Indian politics and diplomacy, serving as Regent, Sadr-e-Riyasat, Cabinet Minister (serving without salary), Ambassador to the United States, Member of the Executive Board of UNESCO, UNESCO Education Commissioner, Chairman of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), and President of the Auroville Foundation.
Beyond his political roles, Dr. Karan Singh is a prolific author renowned for his scholarly works on Hinduism and Vedanta. In 1982, he founded the Virat Hindu Samaj, significantly advancing arts and culture, particularly in painting and music. His advocacy efforts led to the inclusion of the Dogri language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Notably, he established the Amar Mahal Museum and Library, housing a remarkable collection of Kangra Pahari paintings and a vast repository of over 20,000 books.
Dr. Karan Singh’s influence extends globally through his contributions to the interfaith movement and as chairman of the Rumi Foundation. His lifelong patronage of the arts is underscored by his support for the construction of temples in Jammu, Pondicherry, and the United States.
Today, as we celebrate Dr. Karan Singh’s 75 years of unwavering service to India, we honor a visionary leader whose dedication to culture, spirituality, and public welfare has left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.