Dire need to rewrite the history of J&K, Maharaja Gulab Singh: Prof Umesh Rai

Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu- Prof. Umesh Rai today inaugurated a three-day National Seminar on “Revisiting of Life and Legacy of Maharaja Gulab Singh”. The event is organized by the Department of History, University of Jammu in collaboration with Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), Jammu Kashmir Study Centre and Maharaja Gulab Singh Research Centre.

The program started with the lighting of the “ceremonial lamp” along with the recitation of the “Vedic Mantras” by the scholars of the Department of Sanskrit, which was followed by a welcome address by Prof. Suman Jamwal, HoD History. She also introduced the dignitaries, including Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu and Prof. Raghuvendra Tanwar, Chairman, ICHR, New Delhi and others for gracing the event. 

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor-Prof Umesh Rai appreciated the efforts of the entire team of the History Department in organizing such an insightful event.

“I am of the firm belief that there is a dire need to rewrite the history of Jammu and Kashmir in general and of Maharaja Gulab Singh in particular,” the Vice Chancellor said and added that such deliberations bring out new facts and stereotyping notions about the history of Jammu and Kashmir. He also stressed that such exercises can become instrumental in reshaping Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, the theme of the seminar was introduced by Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, who gave a description of the lasting legacy of Maharaja Gulab Singh and his contributions in the formation of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and how this role has been neglected in the larger historical discourse.

Prof Shyam Narayan also talked about the seminal contributions of Maharaja Gulab Singh in reckoning traditional boundaries of India, especially Mansarovar, which has always been an integral part of the sacred geography of Indian civilization.

The keynote address was presented by Ashutosh Bhatnagar, who spoke about Jammu and Kashmir being an integral part of India and its strategic importance and how Maharaja Gulab Singh and his generals reclaimed the cultural frontiers of India. He went on to emphasize the necessity of situating the history of this region in the larger perspective.

The presidential remarks were presented by Prof. Raghuvendra Tanwar. He stressed upon revisiting the history of Jammu and Kashmir, and emphasized the need for rewriting it. He also underlined the fact that ICHR is engaged in the reconstruction of the history of the region and its proper production for the citizens of India.

The inaugural session was concluded by Dr. Madhulika Singh, who presented a vote of thanks. She extended her gratitude to all the dignitaries including Prof. Umesh Rai, Prof. Raghuvendra Tanwar, Ashutosh Bhatnagar, Padam Shree Shiv Nirmohi, Padam Shree K. N. Pandita and other distinguished guests.