Akhnoor, June 17: The annual event of great Dogra history, was celebrated by organizing a grand public function with a great nationalistic fervour by Raj Tilak Celebration Committee headed by KP Singh, a social worker, along with his team. Ch Lal Singh (Ex-MP), Chairman Dogra Swabhiman Sangathan, was the chief guest on the occasion whereas, Kanta Andotra former Legislator Basohli was the guest of honour and Maj Gen GS Jamwal, Kamal Saini, former IGP, Brig JS Rajput, Secretary Maharaja Gulab Singh Trust; Hony Lt. Sanatan Singh from Rajouri and Capt Chunni Lal from Sunderbani were the special invitees to the function.
Ch Lal Singh said that contribution of Maharaja for the welfare of his subjects and their integration as a single political entity would be recognized and remembered by generations to come. He described him as a visionary, brave and enterprising ruler while paying him tributes. Lal Singh said that Maharaja Gulab Singh is best known for extending boundaries of India outwards far & wide while rest of the great rulers / warriors of India fought within India and just about altered the boundaries whereas Maharaja Gulab Singh extended the Indian boundaries deep into areas ruled by Afghans, Tibetans and Chinese. He appreciated the role of JAK Rifles Regiment comprised of Dogras of Jammu, HP & Punjab, from all castes and religions which was raised and ably led by Gen Zorawar Singh.
While honouring Ravinder Jamwal, Sculptor, Ch Lal Singh informed the gathering that Ravi Jamwal was making a statue of Maharaja Gulab Singh which shall soon be installed at Lakhanpur, the entry point of the State. He told that when he asked Ravi Jamwal to make Maharaja’s statue, he wept stating that he has made so many statues but none ever asked him till date to make the statue of Founder of the State. He was happy to have got this opportunity. It will be one of the biggest, tallest and unique statue in North India and once installed, it will tell the history of J&K to the visitors of J&K.
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