JAMMU: General Zorawar Singh, who expanded the Dogra Empire under Maharaja Gulab Singh to Ladakh, Baltistan, and Tibet, through his military campaigns, was remembered on his martyrdom day.
The 180th martyrdom of General Zorawar Singh was special, as for the first time, constitutional head of Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha led the tribute to the great commander.
The function was organised by General Zorawar Singh Memorial Educational and Charitable Trust, being look after by Diksha and Riya Kaluria, the sixth generation of General Zorawar Singh.
Sinha paid floral tribute to General at his statue in Jammu, and addressed the gathering on the occasion, throwing light on his life and military campaigns.
Speaking to The Dispatch, Riya Kaluria, who had visited Raj Bhavan to invite LG Sinha to the event, said that for the first time, an event on such scale was organised in Jammu and Kashmir.
“A number of functions have been organised in the past on General Saheb’s birth and death anniversaries, but it is for the first time that such a grand event has been organised. The legacy of the great commander who shaped India’s map should be celebrated in even greater ways,” she said.
Hopefully, in future, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also attend one such function, she added.
Riya was accompanied by his father Devinder Singh Kaluria, Chairman of the Trust and her sister Diksha Kaluria, one of the trustees.
Earlier in his address, Sinha called General Zorawar Singh one of the greatest military commanders of the world, who made the country proud by his unparalleled bravery & military tactics, saying that he will continue to inspire generations to come.
“He is the embodiment of India’s strength and self-confidence. His valour, discipline, and devotion towards duty is a testimony that for the brave, nothing is impossible and infinite possibilities open up for the warrior,” said the Lt Governor.
General Zorawar Singh is an icon for generations because his name evokes a strong feeling of love, reverence and sacrifice for the motherland, the Lt Governor added.
The Lt Governor said, it should be our collective endeavour to fully recognise his contribution and significance in India’s history.
“The historians, writers should pay attention to the historic accomplishment of true national hero, General Zorawar Singh and new generation must be reminded of his military campaigns in Ladakh, Baltistan, Tibet and immense contribution to the expansion of the Dogra Empire under Maharaja Gulab Singh ji,” he added.
The Lt Governor also spoke on the transformational journey of Jammu Kashmir.
Jammu Kashmir is marching into its golden age with core values of people-first and ideas and ideals of forefathers. General Zorawar Singh had envisioned a strong and prosperous J&K, in which every citizen can live a life of dignity and self- respect. We are committed to creating a prosperous and inclusive society, said the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor urged the people to discharge their responsibilities to accelerate the process of development.
On the occasion, Ravinder Singh Jamwal, famous Sculptor and Anmol Bhadarwaj specially-abled Power-lifter were also felicitated by the Lt Governor.
Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor Jammu University; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Vivek Gupta, DIG; Rahul Yadav, Commissioner, JMC; Major General Goverdhan Singh; Brigadier Vijay Sagar, retired and serving Army personnel were also present.
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