HIS HIGHNESS MAHARAJADHIRAJ YADAVINDRA SINGH ( 1913-1974) - 9TH RULER OF ERSTWHILE PATIALA STATE
His Highness Maharajadhiraj Yadavindra Singh of Patiala, the visionary founder of Yadavindra Public School, Patiala, was born on January 7, 1913. He began his illustrious journey with early education at Aitchison College, Lahore, and later graduated from the Police Training School, Phillaur. Recognized for his distinguished contributions, he was honored with an LLD (Doctor of Law) from Banaras Hindu University. In 1938, he married Maharani Mohinder Kaur, the daughter of a Patiala State noble.
His Highness Maharajadhiraj Yadavindra Singh was a multifaceted individual with a remarkable array of interests, including mountaineering, sports, agriculture, and horticulture. His career was marked by prestigious roles such as Inspector General of Police, Secretary for Forest and Horticulture, Colonel of the Sikh Regiment, and 1st Horse (Skinners). During World War II, he served with distinction in Malaya, the Western Desert, Italy, and Burma (now Myanmar).
In 1938, he became a member of the Standing Committee of the Chamber of Princes and later served as Pro-Chancellor (1944) and Chancellor (1947). He was the first Chancellor of the Chamber of Princes until its dissolution in 1948.
A passionate sportsman, His Highness Maharajadhiraj Yadavindra Singh was awarded All India Cricket Colours in 1932 and went on to captain the Indian Cricket Team. His dedication to sports extended beyond the field; he served as President of the Indian Olympic Association from 1937 to 1960 and founded the Asian Games Federation in 1951, organizing the first Asian Games in Delhi. He also chaired the All India Council of Sports from 1960 to 1965.
His leadership extended to various national and international roles, including Rajpramukh of Patiala and East Punjab States Union (1948-1956), delegate to the United Nations (1956-1957), delegate to the UNESCO Conference in Paris (1958), and Leader of the Indian Delegation to the Food & Agriculture Organisation Conference in Rome (1959, 1961-1962, 1963, 1967, and 1969).
His Highness Maharajadhiraj Yadavindra Singh's diplomatic acumen was further demonstrated during his tenure as India's Ambassador to Italy from 1965 to 1966. He later served as a Member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly from 1967 to 1968, leaving an indelible mark on every sphere he touched.
