A ‘Man of Vision’ as he may be called, Maharana Sajjan Singh of Udaipur, has been a ruler that makes the dynasty proud. In his ruling decade (1874 to 1884 AD), he has given so much to Udaipur that he is remembered for and always will be. In fond memories of him and to ensure future generations get to know the real him, Shriji Arvind Singh of Mewar, his 4th successor, has taken an initiative to preserve him in a book!
Maharana Sajjan Singh had captured his 10 eventful years as a ruler in a diary. The diary, which used to be mere pages until now, has taken shape as a beautiful book that captures him and his story, his thoughts, achievements and his vision. His zest for justice, harmony and advancement made him take the untrodden path to modernity to make it all happen for Udaipur. From reforestation to laying of new water pipelines to Lake Pichola being saved from silting has all seen light of the day during his reign. Not just this, separate civil and criminal courts were inaugurated to ensure a completely modern jury system. The education system, too did not go unnoticed by him. Being a connoisseur of the arts, he spent a lot of his productive time beautifying the city of Udaipur. The beautiful Sajjan Niwas Garden, Victoria Hall and the picturesque Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) are his gifts to Udaipur. And of course, the Shikarbadi Hunting Lodge which has been converted into a hotel under HRH Group of Hotels and remains to be one of the favourite monsoon retreats of Udaipur!
The humungous task of converting the diary into an autobiography is yet another acclaimed initiative by the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation. It’s going to be the perfect medium for the world to come up close with Maharana Sajjan Singh. The 685 page book is titled 'Haqiqat Bahida of Maharana Sajjan Singh of Udaipur, Mewar' and is published by Maharana Mewar Historical Publication Trust (MMHPT) in both Hindi and English. It tells his entire story supported by a number of beautiful archival photographs. In the preface, Shriji has honoured him as, the ‘Suryavanshi’ Ruler. The book is available for sale at Udaya Museum Book Shop, run by MMHPT, in The City Palace, Udaipur. Grab your copy now!
Hariyali Amavasya, the moonless night of the Shravan month, unites the colours and cultures of Rajasthan and binds them with celebration. The celebration of monsoon. The celebration of miles and miles of green all around.
This day can be traced back to the golden past of Rajasthan. Lord Shiva has been worshipped on this day for wealth and prosperity and in the hope of a great agricultural season. In the event of this day, a big fair is organized in full pomp and show for the common people of and around Udaipur. The fair gathers all the people together acting as a means of national integration. All traditions attached to Hariyali Amavasya are followed unbroken till date by Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar. Inside the palace, a musical procession is carried out followed by a small ceremonial puja. Ladies can be seen adorned in the typical Lehariya attire (symbolic of water).
Different folks, different strokes!
Hariyali Amavasya is celebrated with utmost fervor in Madhura Dwarkadhish Temple, Banke Bihariji Temple in Vrindavan, and many other temples of Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva. This day culminates the Phool Bangal Utsav in Vrindavan Banke Bihari Temple. Hariyali Amavasi corresponds with Ashada Amavasya in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. It is celebrated as Chukkala Amavasya in Andhra Pradesh, Bheemana Amavasya in Karnataka, Gatari Amavasya in Maharashtra.
The one thing that remains common is the beautiful welcome of the monsoon and the expression of happiness.
The Durbar Hall has played host to numerous eminent events so far. Indian Institute of Management, Udaipur, being one of the many who returned for an immaculate experience. The overwhelming success of the first Leadership Summit by the institute brought them back for yet another. This time the Guest of Honour had been none other than the icon of Mewar who leads by example – His Highness Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar. Held on 3rd August 2013, the summit was taken to the next level by including the entire Udaipur city.
Based on the theme, ‘Need to Redesign’, three panel discussions involving the stalwarts of the Indian industry shall highlighted:
Indian economy: shift in focal point from urban to rural
Pressing need to redesign supply chain
Evolution of leadership: changing roles and styles
The keynote speaker for the summit was Mr. Ashok Chawla, Chairman of the Competition Commission of India. The who’s who of the Indian industry taking active part in the panel discussions included Mr. TCA Ranganathan, CMD, EXIM Bank and Mr. Sudhir Kumar Shetty, Group COO, UAE Exchange.
Fateh Prakash Palace is glad to have welcomed keen participants for an elaborate discussion on the current issues in and around the globe and delivered an experience to remember. Yet again!
HRH Group of Hotels has always served its guests with the central idea of giving undiluted luxury, responsibly. Our properties have maintained a fine balance between authentic heritage experiences for our guests, a healthy environment and a proud and prosperous local community. It is an extension of the vision and philosophy of the House of Mewar and Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar whose values are rooted with the culture yet inclusive and contemporary.
The spirit of responsible tourism guided HRH to sign up with the internationally acclaimed Check Safety First and become one of the first few hotels in Rajasthan to have done so. Deploying Check Safety’s established risk management system and food module, HRH is now set to offer the highest standards of food hygiene to guests.
Baojiraj Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Executive Director of the HRH Group of Hotels in Rajasthan, said, “We wanted to work with Check Safety First as the company is recognised for helping hotels globally reach consistent hygiene standards. We will work hard to improve our awareness and monitoring of risk areas across the group.”
We know it! Millionaire Asia showcases the lifestyle of the radiant millionaires and caters to niche audience. The Indian chapter of the magazine, for its 6th anniversary edition interviewed Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar on the ‘Living Heritage’. During the interaction, Shriji unveiled to the magazine what is close to his heart, the pleasure of being able to take the legacy forward, his prized collections and learnings of life. And his denotation of luxury, wealth and success in his life.
Anuradha kaul from Millioaire Asia perceives Shriji as a multifaceted personality, from being an aviator to a hotelier, who is respected for his strategic thinking, business acumen and ethical conduct. As the 76th custodian of the House of Mewar, he has among other things, modernized and extended the heritage variable into a strong family business, headquartered in Udaipur and spread across Rajasthan and India.
On being asked what his most prized possession was, Shriji promptly said, “Our heritage is our equity. It is our identity and remains our most prized possession. It can neither be bartered nor sold; it has to be preserved and developed.” His definition of being wealthy: “If I can keep on reading, understanding and living by the percepts of Bhagvad Gita, which is kept on my bedside table, then I am a very wealthy man.”
