'Om Jai Jagdish Hare' author remembered

Phillaur, Sep 30 (UNI) The 171st birth anniversary of Pt Sharda Ram Phillauri, the author of highly popular Aarti ''Om Jai Jagdish Hare'', was today observed here at his native town with great fervour.

On the occasion, various political leaders, including former Punjab Minister Ch Santokh Singh, and other people of the town garlanded the statue of Pt Shardha Ram Phillauri at bus stand chowk.

In Ludhiana, Pundit Sharda Ram Phillauri Memorial Society observed his birth anniversary with devotion at Aggar Nagar Community Centre. Representatives of various Mandir Committees of Ludhiana and prominent persons of the city were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, All India Congress Committee Spokesperson Manish Tewari said, ''Pundit Ji showed the path of devotion towards God and establishment of peace through the means of the prayer transcribed by him. At present, the thought of Pundit Ji has attained great relevance, which teaches us to be concerned with the sufferings of fellow beings and work for the upliftment of our nation.'' He also highlighted the role of Pundit Ji in Indian freedom struggle and said he was a source of inspiration for the freedom fighters.

Pundit Ji has also served the Punjabi language through his efforts of setting up a printing press. He wrote a number of books and ''Baat-Cheet'' is one of those popular among them, he added.

UNI XC PS GL GC1758