Haryana Hits Half A Century

Haryana may be a tiny state with 10 Lok Sabha seats, but its influence on politics has been tremendous since its inception as a separate state 50 years ago.

- Pawan Kumar Bansal

Gurgaon’s flashy modernity is not, by a long stretch, Haryana’s only claim to fame. The city’s new name Gurugram harks back to its epic role as the land of the Mahabharat, where centuries ago three historical battles of Mahabharata were fought, in which Guru Dronacharya played a major part. Which reminds us that it is also the land of honour killings, khap panchayats and a skewed sex ratio. Paradoxically, it is also the birthplace of Sakshi Malik, whose achievements in Rio might just tilt the gender balance. And does anyone need reminding that cricketers Kapil Dev and Mansur Ali Khan of Pataudi hail from Haryana?

Haryana is celebrating its golden jubilee by organising year-long celebrations, to be formally launched by Prime Minister Narender Modi on 1 November at a function at Gurugram. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has already launched golden jubilee logo at a function held at Kingdom of Dreams in the city. A replica of Gita Sandesh by Lord Krishna to Arjun is highlight of the logo, whose tagline reads: “Trans- forming Haryana — Progressing Haryana.” The function had a tinge of controversy with state Health Minister Anil Vij, a nodal person for the celebrations, abstaining. The choice of venue was also questionable, as its owners are facing an enquiry for not paying government dues.