JK News Today
October 21, 2022
JAMMU : To celebrate the 230th birth anniversary of Maharaja Gulab Singh, a function was organised by the Maharaja Gulab Singh Memorial Trust at Amar Mahal on 21St October 2022.
The function started with a welcome speech by Rajkumari Dr. Jyotsna Singh, Director, Amar Mahal Museum and Library. This was followed by Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal from the University of Jammu who deliberated about the life and illustrious career of Maharaja Gulab Singh which made him one of the most compelling warriors and empire builders in 19th century history of India. He was one of the rare rulers in Indian history who left footprints of his sovereignty even in the very difficult terrains such as those of Gilgit, Baltistan and Ladakh.
The next speaker Prof. Shashi Pathania, former faculty from the Department of Dogri, University of Jammu, gave a detailed overview about the rich cultural heritage of the Jammu region. Speaking in Dogri language, she brought out a vivid picture of the land, its fairs and festivals, food, folk dance, songs, etc.
On the occasion, Dr. Karan Singh, Chairman Trustee Maharaja Gulab Singh Trust, presented the Maharaja Gulab Singh Award 2022 to Dr. Jitendra Udhampuri for his appreciable contribution in the field of the Dogri language and literature over several decades. This was followed by the release of the book entitled ‘Life and Legacy of Maharaja Gulab Singh’ explaining significant articles from a number of historians.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Karan Singh said that Maharaja Gulab Singh was a multifaceted personality and therefore he needs to be brought into the centre stage of academic discourse and research. He further said that the essential greatness of Gulab Singh and his achievements and contributions unfortunately have remained a matter of marginal concern in the existing historiography on him.
Dr. Karan Singh also released a book Aksai Chin to Ladakh edited by Sh. J.P Singh. Finally, he presented a set of 11 volumes on the Bhagavad Gita that had been released last year by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi Ji on Dr. Karan Singh’s 90th birthday. On this important occasion Dr. Karan Singh Ji presented this important set of Bhagavad Gita to Prof. M.M. Jha Director, Ranbir Campus Jammu, Central Sanskrit University.
Maharajkumar, Ajatshatru Singh, Trustee, Maharaja Gulab Singh Memorial Trust, extended the vote of thanks.
The programme, both in English and Dogri, was conducted by Jasleen Kaur and Suchitra Singh Jamwal. The function was attended by the members of the management committee of the Trust, members from the civil society and scholars working on the history and culture of the region.
