Rajya Sabha MP Calls for Maharaja Ranjit Singh Memorial on Sutlej River Banks in Ropar

A compelling demand to honor and preserve the historic legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was formally raised in the Rajya Sabha. Highlighting the historical importance of the Sutlej River banks in Ropar, Member of Parliament Satnam Singh Sandhu urged the central government during Zero Hour to establish the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Diplomatic Heritage Memorial at the iconic site.Commemorating the Historic 1831 Meeting with Lord William BentinckAddressing the upper house, MP Sandhu emphasized that the proposed memorial will give the location a renewed cultural identity while significantly boosting heritage tourism in Punjab. He reminded the house that on October 26, 1831, this exact site played host to a pivotal diplomatic meeting between the Sikh Empire ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British Governor-General, Lord William Bentinck. Describing this summit as a milestone in India's diplomatic history, Sandhu stressed that keeping the memory of this event alive is essential for future generations.Proposed Museum, Digital Gallery, and Cultural PreservationTo engage visitors and educate youth, Sandhu suggested integrating modern educational features into the proposed memorial infrastructure, including:A dedicated historical museum showcasing artifacts and manuscripts.A documentary gallery illustrating the administrative brilliance and military prowess of the Sikh Empire.Digital audio-visual presentations detailing the 1831 Sutlej River encounter.Highlighting Maharaja Ranjit Singh's 38-year reign, the MP noted the ruler's extensive contributions toward establishing a progressive state and preserving India's cultural landmarks, including historical restoration work at Sri Harmandir Sahib.Addressing Security Concerns and Flagpole TheftDuring his address, Sandhu also drew parliamentary attention to a security lapse involving the theft of the Sarkar-e-Khalsa Memorial flagpole at the Ropar site. He noted that although a formal police FIR was registered immediately following the incident, local authorities have yet to recover the flagpole. Concluding his address, Sandhu asserted that safeguarding historical landmarks is a collective moral duty, and the establishment of the Ropar memorial will successfully position the region as a premier hub for historical tourism.