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Subrat SaurabhAuthor of Kuch Woh Pal
The personal military journal of Late Brigadier Ghansar Singh Jamwal, the last Governor of Gilgit in 1947. A memoir that traces the chequered history of Gilgit from the mid-nineteenth century, followed by a factual record of his experiences during the Himalayan flashpoint at the crucial juncture when India just gained her independence. A meticulous chronicle of tumultuous events with a vantage view of multifarious political forces at play in Gilgit, that remains a coveted region of global geo-political significance.
The book is a special restoration project to make the late author’s immortalized account of a pivotal time in history, accessible to all.
Brigadier Ghansar Singh Jamwal
Brig. Ghansar Singh was born on January 21, 1895 in the family of Thakur Suram Singh in the village Raipur, 10 km north-west of Jammu city. He had his early education in Jammu and graduated in 1917 from Prince of Wales College (now GGM Science College, Jammu) by earning the distinction of being the first graduate from the Rajput community. He was selected as Wazir Wazarat (Deputy Commissioner) in 1919 but on completion of training, he was transferred to J&K State Forces on January 20, 1920.
Through dedication, loyalty and competence, he climbed the Army ladder and rose to become Brig. in September, 1934.
After commanding Kashmir Brigade (1934-38) and Jammu Brigade (1939-42), he was promoted as Brig. General Staff Grade-I. He held this post till mid-1947 when he was appointed by Maharaja Hari Singh on July 1, 1947 as Governor of Gilgit area and he took over the new assignment on August 1.
He was president of Dharmarth Trust from 1950 till 1976 and contributed to looking after the temples and shrines and promoting the religious sentiments among the people. He had a brief stint in politics as well. During Lok Sabha elections in 1967 he got elected from Kathua-Udhampur-Doda constituency but soon resigned in favour of Dr. Karan Singh. It is noteworthy that he remained as Member of Legislative Council and also served for a brief period as acting Chairman of the Upper House of the State Legislature.
Brig. Ghansar Singh was deeply moved by the neglect and sufferings of ex-Faujis of Jammu and Kashmir and formed the J&K Ex-Servicemen Association for looking after their welfare. Years later this organization was re-christened as the J&K Ex-Service League.
He played a significant role in the setting up of Sainik School at Nagrota in 1972. The BGS Higher Secondary School, Barnai has been set up in his memory and is being looked after by Vijay Singh, grandson of Brig. Ghansar Singh. He was a member of Anti-Corruption Committee for a brief period. He undertook several social reforms, especially related to the cause of widows and farmers. He was member of Backward Classes Committee set up following Gajendragadkar Commission’s recommendations. Post 1976, on account of declining health he led a retired life and breathed his last on January 22, 1991.
