Karan Singh describes Maharaj Gulab Singh as a great warrior,the founder of Dogra dynasty

            Jammu, October 21(Scoop News) — Former Sadar-e-Risat and Member Parliament, Dr. Karan Singh described Maharaj Gulab Singh as a great warrior who was the founder of the Dogra dynasty in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Maharaja Gulab Singh was born on 18th October 1792. Maharaja Gulab Singh was the founder and first Maharaja of the princely state in British India. He said that it was under his reign that the  boundries of India were extended into Tibet and Xinjiang, and he brought them within range of Central Asia and Afghanistan.

          Dr Karan Singh said this while paying rich tributes to Maharaj Gulab Singh during unveiling of his statue on his 218th birthday at Jio Pota Ghat, Akhnoor today where he was coronated  as Maharaja of the State by Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji in 1822.

            Member Parliament,  Madan Lal Sharma and Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture,  Sham Lal Sharma and MLC and former Minister Ajatshatru Singh, members of Dharamth Trust, Management of Raj Tilak Celebration Committee Akhnoor, prominent citizens and senior officers of various departments were present on the occasion.

            Dr Singh said that the statue of first Maharaj of the state shall keep us reminding the historical event of coronation of the great Maharaj who carved out a new state out of British Empire. Dr Singh exhorted upon the people to speak Dogri with pride which is the only recognize to the Dogras.   

            Paying rich tributes to Maharaja Gulab Singh on this auspicious occasion,  Sham Lal Sharma said that contribution of Maharaja for the State of Jammu and Kashmir is incomparable and described him as a visionary, brave and great human being who provided justice to each one and treated the public as his own family members. His memories shall remain evergreen in the minds of every person of this State, he maintained. He said that efforts are being made to develop Akhnoor as a major tourist destination by providing all the infrastructural facilities adding that funds to the tune of Rs 8 crores have been spent in Developing Jio Potha Ghat by the tourism department. He said that the renovations works of the Akhnoor Fort are apace and it will be declared as a Heritage site.

            Member Parliament,  Madan Lal Sharma while paying rich tributes to the Maharaja described him a great warrior who by the virtue of his valour and able administration led the state on the path of progress and prosperity. He said that with the installation inspiration of the statue of Maharaj Gulab Singh the people would come to know the prestigious history of the state and with the raising of infrastructure, Akhnoor shall be come a famous tourist destination. He also hoped that other bank of River Cheanb would also be developed as a tourist spot in the near future.

             Madan Lal Sharma requested Dr Karan Singh to arrange a visit of his holiness the Dalai Lama to the ancient Buddhist monastery at Ambaran near Akhnoor, the remains of which have been excavated recently. He also advocated for popularizing the Dogri language as the language is the greatest medium to unite Dogras. 

            In his address,  Ajatshatru Singh appreciated the efforts of Member Parliament,  Madan Lal Sharma and Health Minister,  Sham Lal Sharma for installation of the coronation statue of Maharaj Gulab Singh and developing Jio Path Ghat as tourist spot. He also placed on record the services of Raj Tilak Celebration Committee Akhnoor in this regard.

President, Raj Tilak Celebration Committee Akhnoor,  K P Singh and other prominent persons were also felicitated for their commendable services in arising the statue of first Maharaj of the state. 

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