B.K. Nehru: Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia was undoubtedly one of the most remarkable pioneers who led India out of the darkness of ignorance to the enlightenment of modernity. He did for North India what Raja Rammohan Roy had done for Bengal three quarters of a century earlier. It is unfortunate that we know so little about his contribution to liberal education, a factor which was instrumental in India’s freedom.
Spread of Education
Sardar Dyal Singh had come to the conclusion well before 1880 that the path of India’s salvation lies in the education of the masses. He insisted, on spreading English education , and established a College of the most modern kind . Dyal made available latest books to the Indian people. This the Sardar did through the establishment of a public library well endowed with books which were given to the general public free of cost.
Launch of Tribune
The establishment of the Tribune newspaper was another noteworthy contribution by him. The aim of the newspaper was to spread the doctrine of Indian nationalism and to bring unity in a society that was afflicted by differences of religion, caste, language and region. His nationalism was also reflected in his strong support for the foundation of the Indian National Congress .
A man who could analyse so clearly, a century and a half ago , the reasons for downfall of the people of our country from the very top of the civilised world to its very bottom and then establish the institutions which would generate the forces to restore it to its old position, can only be regarded as a genius with great foresight and courage. He died on September 9, 1898.