Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s 238th birth anniv celebrated

Bathinda, November 13

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University (MRSPTU), Bathinda, commemorated the 238th birth anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh by organising a function here on Tuesday.

Vice-Chancellor Mohan Paul Singh Ishar led the faculty and staff of the university in paying rich floral tributes to the great Sikh emperor.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Ishar disclosed his plans to start a BTech course in defence studies at the university’s constituent college in Patiala in the name of great Sikh ruler, who is also known as ‘Sher-E-Punjab’ (Lion of the Punjab) .

He said he would work on a proposal for establishment of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Chair on Defence Studies to carry on the rich legacy of the legendary Sikh emperor. “A proposal in this regard will be placed before the Punjab Government soon,” he added. The Vice-Chancellor presented his views on the contribution of Maharaja Ranjit Singh as a unifying and most dynamic leader in Indian history. He played a pivotal role in promotion of education, social reforms and nation building.

Prof Ishar released a memento and a poster of MRSPTU portraying the life sketch of the Sikh emperor. A video on philosophy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and various facets of his life were also played.

Dr RK Bansal, Dean, Students Welfare, MRSPTU, spoke on the ideals of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and presented a brief history of the leader of the Sikh empire, which ruled the northwest Indian subcontinent in the early half of the 19th century. He was born in Gujranwala (now in Pakistan) on November 13, 1780, and died on June 27, 1839, in Lahore.

Dr Bansal expressed his gratitude towards the Punjab Government for starting a university in Bathinda in the name of the great Sikh emperor. Dr Jasbir Singh Hundal, registrar, MRSPTU, senior faculty, deans and directors of the university graced the occasion. — TNS