Maharani Jind Kaur’s Memorial: A Symbol of Sikh Pride and National Glory, says Jaspal Singh Sidhu
AMRITSAR: A tribute ceremony was organized at Ganga Ghat, Panchvati, Nashik (Maharashtra) on the banks of the Godavari River in memory of Maharani Jind Kaur, the wife of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh and mother of Maharaja Duleep Singh.
Sikh leaders and speakers paid heartfelt tributes to Maharani Jind Kaur during the ceremony.
The highlight of the event was the inauguration of the newly reconstructed memorial at her cremation site, which became possible after 14 years of persistent efforts by the local administration and the Sikh community of Maharashtra.
The ceremony was jointly organized by the Maharashtra Sikh Community Coordination Committee, Punjabi Literary Academy Maharashtra, Nashik District United Gurdwara Committee, and other Sikh organizations.
Speaking on the occasion, Jaspal Singh Sidhu, Chairman of the Maharashtra Sikh Community Coordination Committee, stated that Maharani Jind Kaur was not only the queen of the Sikh Empire and the mother who inspired her son, Maharaja Duleep Singh, to reclaim the pride of Sikh heritage, but also a brave woman who stood firmly against British rule with a strong sense of nationalism, a woman feared by the British themselves. She passed away on August 1, 1863, in London at the age of just 48. In accordance with her last wish, her mortal remains were brought to India, but the British authorities denied permission to take them to Punjab, resulting in her cremation at Nashik on the banks of the Godavari River. Later, her ashes were brought from Nashik to Lahore by her granddaughter Princess Bamba and placed next to the Samadhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Sidhu explained that originally there was a small memorial at this site, which was removed during the Godavari beautification project. Now, under the leadership of Maharashtra Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, and with the government’s support, a magnificent memorial has been constructed at this sacred location. Sikh leaders expressed gratitude to the Maharashtra Government for this effort and described the memorial as an inspiration for Sikhism and national spirit.
Sidhu further announced that an annual Gurmat Samagam (spiritual congregation) will be held every March in the memory of Maharani Jind Kaur. Additionally, on the five acres of land allocated near the Godavari in her name, a grand memorial complex equipped with facilities for the congregation will be developed.
He emphasized that Maharani Jind Kaur not only reconnected her son Maharaja Duleep Singh with Sikhism but also instilled in him a deep sense of pride for his heritage. Through her unshakable determination, sharp intellect, and unwavering courage, she stood as a living symbol of not just the glory of Sikhism but also the resilient spirit of India.
Sikh leaders appealed that Maharani Jind Kaur’s memorial should not merely be considered a historical site but should be developed as a source of inspiration for the Sikh community and the youth of the nation.
The tribute ceremony was attended by MLA Rahul Dhikale, Bal Malkeet Singh, Charandeep Singh Happy, Jathedar Baba Ranjit Singh Ji (Gurdwara Sri Guptasar Sahib, Manmad), Ranjit Singh Anand, Gurmukh Singh, Manjit Singh, Milkha Singh, Vachitar Singh, Baljit Singh Sebal, Inderjit Singh Gathore, Kulwant Singh Bagga, Gurmukh Singh Sandhu, Manjit Singh Dhillon, Karamjit Singh Aulakh, Milkha Singh Hundal, Amreek Singh Sandhu, Bichitar Singh Samra, former MLA Bala Saheb Sanap, S.N. Maheshwari, Pawan Khatwani from Sindhi community, Badal Singh and Rajesh Singh from Sikligar community, Harnam Singh from Hingoli, social worker Ram Singh Bawri, Udasi Dr. Pandit Krishna Teerth, BJP leader Nikhil Pawar (Nashik) and Sandeep Pujari, among others.