Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Nov 29: After a long wait, the foundation stone of statue and Samarak of founder of J&K and first Dogra ruler of the undivided State, Maharaja Gulab Singh was laid at Lakhanpur the Gateway of J&K and Ladakh today.
The Municipal Committee, Lakhanpur, Chairman, Ravinder Sharma and DDC Vice Chairman, Raghunandan Singh laid the foundation stone after Bhoomi Poojan. The people owing allegiance to Rajput Sabha, Karni Sena besides DDC , BDC members and prominent citizen were present on the occasion. The statue of Maharaja Gulab Singh which will become the historical monument will be constructed with an estimated cost of Rs two crore which included Rs 75 lakh as statue cost and Rs 75 lakh as platform foundation cost. It will be decorated with 150 feet high National Flag which will be a mark of attraction for visitors entering to Jammu and Kashmir.
While addressing Chairman, MC Lakhanpur, Ravinder Sharma said that the dream of people of J&K has come true with the installation of statue. It was long pending demand of people of Jammu and Kashmir to honor the founder and pride of J&K Maharaja Gulab Singh who has secured the dignity of people while paying the huge amount of Rs 75 lakh to British rulers.
The present Government has taken initiative with the efforts of Union Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh under the guidance of PM Modi to respect the dignity and dedication of Maharaja Gulab Singh and decided to honor him with historic monument to make next generation aware about the rich history of Dogra rulers in general and Maharaja Gulab Singh in particular. On the occasion, DDC vice Chairman, Raghunandan Singh criticized the past Governments of J&K for ignoring the Maharaja. “Now the people of J&K are happy that BJP Government under the leadership of PM, Narendra Modi and Union Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh who is also local MP, has fulfilled this long pending demand of the people of UT”. He said that the Samarak will be one of best in its design.
The Architect of this statue said that it will display both Jammu and Kashmir unity with 150 feet height of Tri Color which will be a mark of attraction for tourists visiting J&K.
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