A Tribute on Her 17th Punyatithi (24 May 2026)
By Ravi Rohmetra
Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi, remembered for her graceful personality and compassionate nature, carried herself with rare warmth and humility even towards ordinary people. Her deep concern for the poor, needy and underprivileged became a lifelong mission, inspiring her involvement in numerous social and humanitarian activities.
The 24th of May, 2009 remains one of the saddest days for many people, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Nepal, when Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi, wife of Padma Vibhushan Dr. Karan Singh, left for her heavenly abode. Even today, on her 17th Punyatithi, her memories, kindness and noble deeds continue to inspire countless people. She left an indelible mark on the social, cultural and intellectual life of the country, for which she deserves the gratitude and respect of the nation.
Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi was an embodiment of beauty, compassion, dignity and selfless service. She devoted her life to the welfare of widows, orphans, the poor, the deaf and dumb, blind persons and other weaker sections of society. Born on 9 January 1937 into the royal family of Sir Mohan Shamsher Jang Bahadur, the last Rana Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Nepal, she was the daughter of General Sharda Shamsher Singh.
At the young age of 13, on 5 March 1950, she was married to Yuvraj Karan Singh, son of Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir. The marriage united two distinguished royal lineages — the Dogra rulers of Jammu and Kashmir and the Rana family of Nepal. Both families traced their ancestry to the Rajputana dynasties of Kachawaha and Sisodia respectively.
For the young Yasho Rajya Lakshmi, who had grown up in a Nepali-speaking environment among her siblings, adapting to a new culture, language and region was not easy. However, with determination and the support of her husband, she soon mastered Hindi and Dogri and gracefully fulfilled her responsibilities as a royal hostess and public figure. So fluent did she become in Dogri that few could imagine she originally belonged to Nepal.
The marriage was solemnised with full religious fervour and according to both Dogra and Nepali traditions, symbolising a bond between two regions and cultures. Despite her royal status, Maharani Sahiba always lived with simplicity and humility.
Alongside her responsibilities as the consort of Dr. Karan Singh — distinguished statesman, parliamentarian and scholar — she continued her higher studies and actively dedicated herself to social welfare. She worked tirelessly for the upliftment of poor and needy people, especially widows, differently-abled persons, mentally challenged children and orphans in Jammu and Kashmir as well as Delhi.
She also served as the head of the Jammu and Kashmir Social Welfare Board and was associated with numerous welfare organisations. Her social work was not driven by publicity or recognition, but by genuine compassion and inner satisfaction.
During the Indo-Pak War of 1965, Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi undertook several welfare initiatives for army personnel. She spent long hours among soldiers in difficult circumstances, distributing essential commodities and encouraging them with her presence and concern.
A deeply spiritual person, Maharani Sahiba was an ardent devotee of Maa Durga. In 1979, Dr. Karan Singh and Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi installed the idol of Lord Natraj in the complex of the historic Shri Raghunath Ji Temple in Jammu.
She remained a constant companion to Dr. Karan Singh during his long and demanding election campaigns in the Udhampur and Kathua constituencies. Her interaction with women and elderly people, especially in rural areas, greatly strengthened public affection and support for the family.
Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi held several important positions in social and charitable organisations. She organised Ladies Clubs in Jammu and Kashmir, headed the Delhi Hospital Welfare Society, and actively managed the activities of the Dharmarth Trust. She also served as Chairperson of the Kashmir Women’s Industrial Units and Maharaja Gulab Singh Memorial Trust, besides being Patron of institutions working for the welfare of deaf, dumb and mentally challenged children.
Her demise was a great loss not only to the Dogra community but also to all those who admired her humanity and noble character. Though she is no longer physically present among us, the institutions she nurtured and the welfare activities she inspired continue to keep her memory alive.
Monuments and Memorials
• In memory of Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi, the “Yasho-Karan Park” behind the historic Shri Rabireshwar Temple in Jammu was inaugurated on 24 May 2012, her third death anniversary, by former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit in the presence of Dr. Karan Singh, Chairman Trustee of the J&K Dharmarth Trust Council. The park continues to attract visitors and preserves her memory with dignity.
• On 17 March 2013, Dr. Karan Singh reconstructed an old Shiv Temple at Kankhal, Haridwar, and established the “Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi Sanskrit Pathshala” there in her honour.
Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi’s passing came as a personal shock to people across Jammu and Kashmir. For nearly six decades, she remained closely associated with the cultural and social life of the region through her dignified presence, gentle nature and inspiring personality.
Whenever she visited Jammu, especially the historic Shri Raghunath Ji Temple, people eagerly gathered for a glimpse of the beloved Maharani. Her warm smile, soft-spoken nature and compassionate outlook reflected peace, grace and reassurance.
Till her last breath, Maharani Sahiba remained emotionally attached to the sentiments, aspirations and traditions of Duggar land. She truly represented the spirit of Dogra culture and civilisation. Her personality reflected a rare combination of dignity, simplicity, moral strength and compassion.
Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi has left behind a rich legacy of service, humility and humanity. Her life continues to inspire future generations to walk the path of compassion, duty and selfless service.
(Ravi Rohmetra is a freelance writer and a Social Worker and can be reached at (M) 94196-52999; Email- [email protected])
