10-23-2006, 06:31 PM
<b>Birth anniversary of Maharaja Gulab Singh celebrated</b>
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 22: In connection with the 214th birth anniversary of Maharaja Gulab Singh, founder of the Jammu and Kashmir State, an impressive function was organised here this evening.
Former Sadar-e-Riyasat and Member Rajya Sabha, Dr Karan Singh presided over the function while Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi was the guest of honour on the occasion. The programme was organised by the Maharaja Gulab Singh Memorial Trust. Several prominent persons of the State including R&B Minister, Gulchain Singh Charak, former minister Thakur Randhir Singh, Prof Zahoor-Ud-Din, Maj Gen (Retd) Goverdhan Singh Jamwal and former DGP M M Khajooria were present on the occasion.
While paying tributes to the great Dogra ruler, Dr Karan Singh said that Maharaja Gulab Singh, who started his career as an ordinary soldier in the Army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab, is the source of inspiration for the coming generations. He said nobody knew that the boy with village background will one day become a mighty ruler, who extended the boundaries of the Jammu and Kashmir State up to 84,000 sq miles and made it the largest State in India having boundaries with China and Russia. But it was unfortunate that its area has now reduced to half of the original.
Commenting on the present political situation in the State, Dr Singh said that for the last 16 years, the State has been passing through the turmoil. " The situation infact could not be properly understood by them or even us but with the recent developments I hope the things will take turn and peace will be restored to this State, " Dr Singh observed.
Referring to the inclusion of Dogri in the 8th Schedule, Dr Singh stressed the need to work more for the development the language.
He said Dogri must be encouraged and taught to the young children. He said it is the duty of every citizen here to maintain the proud Dogra identity.
Mr Charak while paying tributes to Maharaja Gulab Singh said that achievements of this great Dogra ruler are the source of inspiration for all of us and coming generations. He stressed the need of preservation of the old monuments and other museums of the Dogra rulers and said that after getting them declared as Heritage sites, it could be major source of tourists attraction. He said that Rs 43 cr is being spent on the maintenance and preservation of Mubarik Mandi.
Maj Gen (Retd) G S Jamwal suggested the construction of an Army Heritage Centre at Jammu with unique War Memorial depicting names of all the heroes of the Dogra Army right from 1826 to 1947. Prof Zahoor-ud-Din and M M Khajooria also spoke on the occasion.
Rajinder Singh Pawar, founder and chairman of the NIIT was awarded 3rd Maharaja Gulab Singh award for his distinguished services. Maharani Yasho Yajya Lakshmi, president of the Trust, gave away the award which carries cash award of rupees one lakh. Maharaja Ranbir Singh Scholarships were given to the two Research scholars, Rupali Sharma and Ajay Singh Manhas.
Ajatshatru Singh, presented the vote of thanks.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 22: In connection with the 214th birth anniversary of Maharaja Gulab Singh, founder of the Jammu and Kashmir State, an impressive function was organised here this evening.
Former Sadar-e-Riyasat and Member Rajya Sabha, Dr Karan Singh presided over the function while Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi was the guest of honour on the occasion. The programme was organised by the Maharaja Gulab Singh Memorial Trust. Several prominent persons of the State including R&B Minister, Gulchain Singh Charak, former minister Thakur Randhir Singh, Prof Zahoor-Ud-Din, Maj Gen (Retd) Goverdhan Singh Jamwal and former DGP M M Khajooria were present on the occasion.
While paying tributes to the great Dogra ruler, Dr Karan Singh said that Maharaja Gulab Singh, who started his career as an ordinary soldier in the Army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab, is the source of inspiration for the coming generations. He said nobody knew that the boy with village background will one day become a mighty ruler, who extended the boundaries of the Jammu and Kashmir State up to 84,000 sq miles and made it the largest State in India having boundaries with China and Russia. But it was unfortunate that its area has now reduced to half of the original.
Commenting on the present political situation in the State, Dr Singh said that for the last 16 years, the State has been passing through the turmoil. " The situation infact could not be properly understood by them or even us but with the recent developments I hope the things will take turn and peace will be restored to this State, " Dr Singh observed.
Referring to the inclusion of Dogri in the 8th Schedule, Dr Singh stressed the need to work more for the development the language.
He said Dogri must be encouraged and taught to the young children. He said it is the duty of every citizen here to maintain the proud Dogra identity.
Mr Charak while paying tributes to Maharaja Gulab Singh said that achievements of this great Dogra ruler are the source of inspiration for all of us and coming generations. He stressed the need of preservation of the old monuments and other museums of the Dogra rulers and said that after getting them declared as Heritage sites, it could be major source of tourists attraction. He said that Rs 43 cr is being spent on the maintenance and preservation of Mubarik Mandi.
Maj Gen (Retd) G S Jamwal suggested the construction of an Army Heritage Centre at Jammu with unique War Memorial depicting names of all the heroes of the Dogra Army right from 1826 to 1947. Prof Zahoor-ud-Din and M M Khajooria also spoke on the occasion.
Rajinder Singh Pawar, founder and chairman of the NIIT was awarded 3rd Maharaja Gulab Singh award for his distinguished services. Maharani Yasho Yajya Lakshmi, president of the Trust, gave away the award which carries cash award of rupees one lakh. Maharaja Ranbir Singh Scholarships were given to the two Research scholars, Rupali Sharma and Ajay Singh Manhas.
Ajatshatru Singh, presented the vote of thanks.