Jammu: The Maharaja Gulab Singh Trust honoured distinguished military veteran Major General (Retd) Govardhan Singh Jamwal with the prestigious Maharaja Gulab Singh (MGS) Memorial Award in recognition of his lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Dogra history, martial heritage, cultural traditions and the identity of the Dogra community, an official said on Sunday.
The award was conferred on the 99-year-old Jamwal by veteran politician Karan Singh, chairman of the Maharaja Gulab Singh Trust and head of the Dogra royal family, at a ceremony held at the historic Hari Niwas Palace here, the official said.
Addressing the gathering, Karan Singh paid tribute to the extraordinary life and distinguished services of major general Jamwal, describing his contributions to the preservation of Dogra heritage and martial traditions as deeply significant.
Recalling his long association with the veteran, Singh shared that Major General Jamwal had joined the State Forces as an officer after being recruited by the last Dogra ruler and his father Maharaja Hari Singh, an occasion he personally remembered witnessing during his childhood.
He also recalled major general Jamwal’s distinguished service as district commissioner and subsequently as military secretary to the President of India.
Following his retirement, the veteran continued his association with the Dogra royal family, serving in various capacities, including as trustee and president of several institutions.
Expressing admiration for his remarkable dedication and continued public service, Singh announced that his centenary year would be celebrated next year with great pride and respect.
Accepting the honour, Major General Jamwal expressed his gratitude to the Maharaja Gulab Singh Trust and dedicated the award to the entire Dogra community, particularly those committed to preserving Dogra identity, promoting the Dogri language and advancing the Dogra cause.
He said the recognition had further strengthened his resolve to continue working with renewed dedication for the welfare of the community and the preservation of its glorious heritage.
