Born on 14th of March 1915 in the Village of BandiChechian, Tehsil Haveli, District Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Choudhary Wazir Mohd Hakla Poonchi emerged as one of the most respected Social Reformer of the 20th century. Raised by his widowed mother after the early death of his father, he imbibed values of courage, compassion, and service. Deeply inspired by India’s national movement, he left formal education to dedicate himself to the freedom struggle and the upliftment of the poor, backward communities. He passed away on 15th of August 1977, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, sacrifice, and reform.
I. KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:
- Freedom Movement & Social Justice.
- Actively supported India’s independence struggle and worked for democratic reforms.
- Championed civil rights and upliftment of backward classes.
- Promoted communal harmony among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, and others.
- Conducted extensive research on Gujjar history and folklore and published several articles in leading newspapers and magazines, making significant contributions to Gojri literature.
II. PATRIOTIC SERVICE:
- Supported the Indian Army during the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, fostering unity and morale in border districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Actively participated in social and political movements aimed at safeguarding the interests of the nation.
- Advocated for unity, peace, and communal harmony in nation during challenging times.
- Promoted education as a tool for national development and social awareness
- Encouraged youth to contribute towards the progress and defense of the country.
III. SUPPORT FOR WEAKER SECTIONS OF SOCIETY
- Worked tirelessly for the upliftment of marginalized and underprivileged communities.
- Extended support to poor students by motivating them to pursue education.
- Raised his voice for the rights of weaker and neglected sections of society.
- Dedicated his efforts to ensuring equal opportunities in education, employment, and social welfare.
- Helped bridge the gap between privileged and underprivileged groups through community initiatives
IV. HONOURS & RECOGNITION:
- Conferred with the title of “Wazir-ul-Qaum” (Leader of the Nation) at the All India Gujjar Conference held at Kotla
Mubarakpur, Delhi in1973 organised by the Hindu Muslim, Sikh Gurjars of India for his immense contributions. - Institutions Named in His Honour by Jammu and Kashmir Government in the year 1996:
a) Ch. Wazir Mohd Hakla Road– from Drungli bye pass to Noona Bandi Bridge of Block Nangali district Poonch J&K.
b) Ch. Wazir Mohd Hakla Govt. High School, Bandi Chechian in district Poonch, J&K.
c) Ch. Wazir Mohd Hakla Conference Hall & Library, situated near the Govt. Gujjar-Bakarwal Boys Hostel, district Poonch, at Poonch city.
V. NATIONAL RECOGNITION:- 25th July 2022: Govt. of India, Ministry of Communication, sanctioned a ₹5 commemorative postal stamp in the name of Ch.Wazir Mohd Hakla Poonchi.
- 24th July2024: Postal Stamp released by Hon’ble Lt. Governor Shri Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan, Srinagar, Kashmir.
- In the year 2025, the Department of Higher Education and School Education, J&K Government, ordered the display of his
portrait & postal stamp photo frame in all government Degree Colleges of Jammu Province and all the Higher Secondary and High Schools of Jammu Province. - The postal stamp photo frame was displayed at all Post Offices and Government offices in the Rajouri & Poonch districts, as
well as hospitals of the Poonch district, Government Medical College, Rajouri, J&K, and at the Jammu University’s Central
Library.
VI. FAMILY & LEGACY:- His son, Shamsher Hakla Poonchi, continues his mission of social activism for the down trodden people of J&K.
From humble beginnings, he rose to become a symbol of Gujjar pride, communal harmony, and social justice. His life’s work remains an inspiration for generations in Jammu & Kashmir and other states of India.