| News Details |
| Balraj Puri : A Man of Substance | | 
By O.P. Sharma
Balraj Puri, a multifaceted personality of Jammu had the distinction of being recipient of a “Padam Vibhushan” prestigious honored from the president of India. Puri was a prolific writer and had authored more than 35 books on different topics, penned numerous articles on politics, economic and social issues. He was a social and political activist and a champion of human rights as member of PUCL.
Looking Back.
Puri was one of the pioneer journalist from Jammu and Kashmir who started on June 27, 1942 an Urdu Weekly Kashmir Sansar and later edited Sach Urdu daily in 1950, he also was in charge editor of monthly New Socialist (1957-69); edited bimonthly Kashmir Affairs (1959-61) and published bimonthly, Human Rights (1993). Puri had contributed numerous articles to national dailies and prestigious academic journals, in India and abroad. He was established columnist writing for various newspaper and magazines within and outside Jammu and Kashmir State.
Balraj Puri, as a vectoring journalist, had encouraged numerous youth in the journalistic profession. He started the Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan branch of Jammu for imparting training in the craft of journalism. Several of the students from Jammu’s Bhartiya Vidya Bhawanare holding prestigious positions in the media--------- electronic and print. I too have long association with this leading journalistic, an intellectual and social activist.
Puri had an interest in political movements too. He founded student’s movement in Jammu during 1946 and raised Peace Volunteer Corps in 1947 against politician riots and had the opportunity of frequent meetings with Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, other tall national leader as well as founder leader of National Conference Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah mainly on matters relating to J&K. HE intervened during Nehru-Abdullah talks on Centre state relations in July, 1952 with a proposal for autonomy of the regions within State which both leaders approved.
During long incarceration of Sheikh Abdullah after 9 August 1953 acted as a mediator between Sheikh Abdullah and nationals leaders like Nehru and Jaya Prakash Narayan which paved the way for the release of Abdullah and Nehru-Abdullah meeting in 1964. Founded first opposition party the PSP in both Kashmir and Jammu and intervened in Kashmir problem during crucial occasions, including theft of holy relic from Hazratbal and preventing exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir after riots in 1986. He also played part as mediator between Indira Gandhi and Sheikh Abdullah which led to historic 1975 Accord between them. By virtue of this accord, the Sheikh Abdullah became the Chief Minister of J&K with the support of congress party which was in power in Jammu and Kashmir.
Puri is as Director Institute of J&K Affairs conducted research and organised seminars on a large number of social, political and economic problems of the State since 1970, including sponsored by Indian council of Social Science Research; Institute of Historical studies, Calcutta, world bank and UNICEF.
Puri became Founder Member, Association of People of Asia and President of Association of Voluntary Agencies for Rural Development, J&K Chapter. At present, he was convener People’s union for Civil Liberties in J&K State and also a Life member of Delhi School of Social work, Delhi University. He played a vital role as a Vice President, Minority Council of India and in addition working Chairman of Regional Autonomy Committee (1996-99).
Puri was the winner of National Harmony Award Institute by organisation of understanding and Fraternity, given by Mother Teresa. He also was recipient of MA Thomas Human Rights Award. This noted person had widely travelled and had visited many foreign countries and presented research papers at different international seminars and conferences.
This distinguished intellectual was putting up with his family comprising of his wife Dr. Subash Gupta, Educationist; one son love Puri. Presently in the United State and Daughter Prof. Ellora of P.G. Political Science Department, Jammu University.
Balaraj Puri was not keeping good health for sometime and was under treatment. He passed away at a Government Medical College Jammu on Saturday.He was 86.He had made very significant contribution to the society.
(Reproduced )
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