• Jammu campus of Central Sanskrit University renamed in honour of Dogra ruler
• Says nation owes Ranbir Singh for reforms and vision for J&K
• Urges youth to follow ideals of knowledge, culture and nation-building
• Assures support for Gurukul, Sanskrit and VedPathshalas in region
Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said the nation owes Maharaja Ranbir Singh a profound debt for his far-reaching reforms and contributions in shaping a vibrant and progressive Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of the bust of Maharaja Ranbir Singh at the Central Sanskrit University campus at KotBhalwal, the Lieutenant Governor also announced the renaming of the university’s Jammu campus as “Shri Maharaja Ranbir Singh Campus.”
Sinha said Maharaja Ranbir Singh viewed Jammu and Kashmir as a living entity shaped not only by its geography but also by its intellectual and spiritual values.
“He saw Jammu and Kashmir not merely as land but as a vibrant structure where culture breathed life and reforms channelled energy. For him, its soul resided not only in mountains and rivers but also in intellectual and spiritual traditions,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said Maharaja Ranbir Singh not only ruled the region but also gave it a new vision by strengthening institutions, promoting knowledge and nurturing a rich cultural heritage.
“Renaming the Central Sanskrit University’s Jammu campus after him is a testament that the consciousness he ignited continues to guide the society of Jammu and Kashmir even 150 years later,” Sinha said.
Emphasising the role of youth, the Lieutenant Governor said young people must carry forward the ideals of the Dogra ruler and contribute towards building a safe and prosperous society.
“Our youth must embrace his expansive and humane values and play an active role in nation-building. As today’s Jammu and Kashmir reflects Maharaja Ranbir Singh’s foresight, this campus too must embody his ideals,” he said.
Sinha also stressed the need to build a society that is technologically advanced while remaining rooted in humane values. He urged the youth to contribute not only to India’s progress but also to the global intellectual and moral landscape.
“India has always been guided by the ideals of human welfare, peace and shared prosperity. The time has come for the country to reclaim its place in guiding a challenge-ridden world,” he said.
Highlighting India’s civilisational ethos, the Lieutenant Governor said the country’s progress has historically balanced scientific advancement with cultural wisdom.
“Ancient India’s journey was never one-sided—one hand held science and the other culture. We emphasised personalities who combined the intellect of Brahmagupta with the wisdom of Buddha, and this campus must nurture such minds,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor also assured financial assistance for the establishment of Gurukuls, Sanskrit Pathshalas or VedPathshalas in the region.
Among those present on the occasion were Karan Singh, Padma Shri Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri, Prof. ShrinivasaVarakhedi, Vice Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, Dr Kamal Kishor Mishra of the University of Calcutta, Prof. R.G. Murali Krishna, Registrar of Central Sanskrit University, and Prof. Satish Kumar Kapoor, along with faculty members, officials, prominent citizens and students.
