𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐣𝐚 𝐆𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐛 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡

JAMMU, June 17: A grand public function was organized today at the historic Jeo Pota Ghat in Akhnoor to commemorate the coronation of Maharaja Gulab Singh, the founder of the Dogra Empire.
The event marked the anniversary of the historic day in June 1822, when Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the legendary Sikh Emperor of Punjab, travelled all the way from Lahore to anoint Gulab Singh, a Dogra Rajput and his trusted commander, as the Raja of Jammu.
The commemorative event was hosted by the Raj Tilak Celebration Committee, led by Chairman Thakur K P Singh, which has been consistently working to keep the memory of this monumental event alive through public participation and media outreach. The ceremony began with the soulful recitation of Gurbani by Granthis from Baba Sunder Singh Gurdwara, followed by Pooja rituals and floral tribute performed under the aegis of Dharmarth Trust.
Akhnoor MLA Mohan Lal was the chief guest and took part in the early rituals before addressing the gathering. In his address, he recalled the significance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s farsighted decision in appointing Gulab Singh as the ruler, which laid the foundation of the vast princely state of Jammu and Kashmir encompassing Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Tibet.
Thakur G S Charak, president of Dogra Sadar Sabha and guest of honour, paid rich tributes to both the Sikh and Dogra monarchs, noting that Maharaja Gulab Singh maintained stability and unity over a region of more than 80 lakh square miles, ensuring safety for diverse communities from Afghan and British dominance.
Members of the Yuva Rajput Sabha, led by president Vikram Singh and former president Rajan Singh, added cultural fervour by attending in traditional attire. They reiterated their dedication to preserving Dogra legacy and mentioned their ongoing campaign to rename Maharaja Hari Singh Higher Secondary School and Yuvaraj Karan Singh Bridge.
P S Pathania, president of Dharmarth Trust, also paid homage to the Dogra rulers and highlighted their lasting contribution to regional identity, unity and governance.