Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 21: Rich and floral tributes were paid to Maharaja Gulab Singh Ji, the first Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, on his 223rd birth anniversary here today.
In this connection, a grand function was organized at Shri Raghunath ji Temple by the J&K Dharmarth Trust. While paying his tributes to the founder of the Dharmarth Trust, the Trustee of Trust Ajatshatru Singh, MLC said that the great Maharaja’s rule was a glorious period of Jammu and Kashmir Kingdom. Maharaja Ranjit Singh rewarded Gulab Singh by the conferment of Jammu Raj on him on June 17, 1822 at Jeo Pota, Akhnoor. Thereafter by his shrewd statesmanship, he was able to carve out, of his own, an independent State largest in geographical area in British India. By knitting together scattered principalities, he laid the foundation of princely State of Jammu and Kashmir and extended its boundaries far and wide by capturing Ladakh, Baltistan, Gilgit and over 300 sq miles of Tibet.
Maharaja Gulab Singh had founded the Dharmarth Trust to provide better facilities to the pilgrims and to maintain various temples and shrines;
On the occasion, a Hawan was performed by Priests of Raghunath Ji Mandir and a large number of pilgrims including the officials were present and Puran Aahuti was performed by Ajatshatru Singh.
Later Prasad was offered to the gathering and devotees. The secretary. Dharmarth Trust Shashi Khajuria coordinated the proceedings of the function.
Another grand function was organized to celebrate the birthday of the Maharaja Gulab Singh at Mubarak Mandi here by the “Maharaja Gulab Singh Birthday Celebration Committee,” Jammu.
The functions started with welcome address by Amrik Karmyogi Co-ordinator of the committee.
Gulchain Singh Charak former Minister and President Dogra Sadar Sabha (DSS) while congratulating the Celebration Committee appreciated the step taken by them on the birth anniversary of the great visionary and the founder of J&K-a unique State in the world having different cultures, castes, religions and climatic conditions etc.
He dealt in detail about the achievements of the Maharaja Gulab Singh who rose from an ordinary soldier to the highest position of a King.
He appealed the youth to start vigorous struggle for protection of rich cultural heritage of Dogras.
All other speakers in their speeches threw light on the life of Maharaja Gulab Singh and at the same time expressed their concern about the vanishing glory of Dogra palaces and heritage places especially Mubarak Mandi Complex.
Prominent amongst those who spoke on the occasion included Adv. B.S.Salathia, President Jammu Lawyers Forum, Zorawar Singh general. secretary Press Club of Jammu, Surinder Singh Gilli, president Yuva Rajput Sabha, Ravi Singh, Gambhir Dev and Mohan Singh, president Duggar Manch.
Resolutions were also proposed by the convenor of the Committee Ravi Singh Slathia which demanded declaring State holiday on birthday of Maharaja Gulab Singh, naming the University of Jammu after the name of Maharaja Gulab Singh and preservation and restoration of prestigious Dogra heritage i.e. Mubarak Mandi Palaces complex. All the resolutions were unanimously passed.
Member of Legislative Council J&K Rani Gargi Blowria also paid Rich and floral tributes to Maharaja Gulab Singh Ji, the first Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, on his 223rd birth. anniversary here today and demanded State Govt should declare Gazetted Holiday on his Birthday and royal samidies at Ram Munshi Bagh heritage site.
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