88th Death Anniversary of “Father of Modern Lahore” Sir Ganga Ram Observed

Lahore: Patron-in-chief of Pakistan Hindu Council and MNA Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani has proposed the Punjab Government for the inclusion of introductory lessons for awareness about the “Father of Modern Lahore”, Sir Ganga Ram, in the educational curriculum.

Paying rich tribute to Sir Ganga Ram on the occasion of his his 88th death anniversary, Dr. Ramesh Vankwani was of the view that preserving the Samadhi (Shrine) of Sir Ganga Ram, located at Ravi Road, as National Heritage would be most suitable step to acknowledge the great legendary.

Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram is, no doubt, the father of modern Lahore, Dr Ramesh said, regretting that today no one really spare some time to acknowledge his great contributions to serve the people, regardless of race, religion and caste. In addition, it is really painful that the Samadhi had been neglected and left on the mercy of hate-mongers, Dr Ramesh said.

Dr Ramesh told that Sir Malcolm Hailey, the Governor of Punjab under the British rule, had also lauded the great Hindu philanthropist by saying that “He won like a hero and gave like a Saint”. He, in the context of Quad-e-Azam’s 11 August Speech, urged for the protection of the rights of minorities and due acknowledgement of their contributions.

Sir Ganga Ram was an executive engineer by profession under the British rule and a man behind the construction of various city buildings like Lahore Museum, Aitchison College, Mayo School of Arts, High Court, GPO, Government College’s chemistry block and Mayo Hospital’s Albert Victor wing. Following the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992, hundreds of people had attacked to damage the Samadhi of Sir Ganga Ram, which is now in serious need of repair.