Last Updated on March 11, 2022 at 10:42 am
Lakhanpur is soon going to witness the glorious history of Jammu and Kashmir as 20 feet tall statue of Maharaja Gulab Singh -the founder of erstwhile J&K State at Lakhanpur, the gateway of Jammu and Kashmir is going to be installed. The installation of statue will be at the entry point of J&K from Punjab near Excise building in Lakhanpur.
The famous sculptor Padamshri Ravinder Jamwal of J&K since past three years is working on this bronze statue costing Rs 75 lakh. The installation of statue with Maharaja astride on a horse will be placed on 20 feet high pedestal and will mark the greatest tribute to this great ruler and warrior of J&K on the bi-centenary coronation year of Maharaja Gulab Singh. Dr Jitendra Singh said that it was decided to install the statue of Maharaja at Lakhanpur this year, as 2022 marks the bi- century coronation of Maharaja Gulab Singh who was coroneted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh the then ruler of North Indian Sub continent in 1818 at Jammu.
The statue will prove to be a major attraction point for millions of visitors and tourists. Ravinder Sharma president Municipal Committee, Lakhanpur said that the total estimated cost incurred on the installation of statue with pedestal, a park, a selfi point and lighting arrangements is Rs 1.50 crore. The statue will be installed at the entry point of J&K from Punjab near Excise building in Lakhanpur. He further said that history of Maharaja and his achievements will also be engraved on a stone and a National Flag will also be hoisted near the statue.
Union Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh who represents the Kathua -Udhampur -Doda constituency will unveil the statue. However, the date for the same is yet to be decided. Sharma said that the statue installation will be completed within one week’s time but other connecting works will be completed in two months. He said that Rs 75 lakh for the making of statue were paid by the Municipal Committee Lakhanpur.
Ravinder Jamwal sculptor said that it was the aim of his life to install the statue of Maharaja Gulab Singh in Jammu befitting his personality.
