Jammu, Oct 17: Gulchain Singh Charak, veteran political leader, former Minister, and President of the Dogra Sadar Sabha, Jammu and Kashmir, passed away on Thursday after a prolonged illness. He was among the senior-most figures of Jammu’s political landscape, remembered for his integrity, statesmanship, and lifelong commitment to the socio-cultural upliftment of the Dogra community.
A seasoned leader with decades of public service, Charak was a prominent member of the Congress Party and served as a Minister in the PDP-Congress coalition government led by former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. During his tenure, he held key portfolios and played a pivotal role in developmental initiatives across the Jammu region, particularly in the fields of infrastructure, education, and heritage preservation.
Beyond politics, Gulchain Singh Charak’s name became synonymous with the cause of Dogra identity and cultural preservation. As President of the Dogra Sadar Sabha, he tirelessly championed issues related to Dogra heritage, language, and history, advocating for the restoration and conservation of the region’s historical monuments, including the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex. His efforts to promote social harmony, educational advancement, and cultural pride earned him immense respect across communities.
News of his demise has triggered an outpouring of grief across Jammu and Kashmir. Political leaders cutting across party lines, social organizations, and members of the civil society expressed deep sorrow over his passing, describing it as a great loss to the region’s political and cultural fabric. Condolence messages highlighted his humility, vision, and unwavering dedication to public welfare.
Several leaders, including senior Congress functionaries and representatives from various social and cultural bodies, visited his residence to offer condolences to the bereaved family. They remembered him as a leader who upheld dignity and decency in public life and served as a bridge between tradition and progress.
Charak’s passing marks the end of an era in Jammu’s political and social life. His legacy, however, continues to live through the institutions he helped strengthen and the values he upheld of unity, service, and devotion to the cause of Jammu and the Dogra people.