A Visionary Statesman, Educationist, and Dogra Icon
Early Life and Heritage
Born in 1942 in the martial Kshatriya Charak Clan of Jammu, Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak Ji hailed from a lineage deeply rooted in patriotism and public service. His father, Thakur Maluk Singh Charak, served as a Subedar in the 40 Pathan Unit and was awarded for bravery in World War I.
From childhood, Thakur Charak Ji was imbued with values of courage, discipline, and compassion. During his student days, he excelled in sports, earned the NCC “C” Certificate, and once demonstrated extraordinary bravery by capturing an armed Pakistani paratrooper — unarmed himself — during the 1965 conflict.
Political Journey and Public Administration
With his sharp intellect and reform-oriented vision, Thakur Charak Ji entered public life to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir with dedication and dynamism.
Major Positions Held:
Minister for Public Works (R&B) and Mechanical Engineering, J&K
– Oversaw record infrastructure growth: roads, bridges, and public buildings under a triple-shift plan.
Minister for Higher Education, ARI & Trainings, J&K
– Introduced a uniform academic calendar for the entire state; strengthened educational policy coordination.
Leader of the Legislative Council (Upper House), J&K.
Chairman, District Development Boards – Poonch & Rajouri (Border Districts).
Chairman, Ethics Committee of J&K Legislature.
A man of administrative precision, he worked tirelessly 24×7, ensuring transparency, accountability, and tangible progress across his ministries.
Role in the Indian National Congress
Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak Ji was a stalwart of the Indian National Congress, recognized for his organizational skills, political maturity, and loyalty to the party.
Key Roles & Responsibilities:
Senior Vice President, J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC)
State President, J&K PCC (T) and Member, CWC AICC (T)
Vice-Chairman, Election Campaign Committee J&K (2002) – instrumental in returning Congress to power after 25 years.
Chairman, Pradesh Election Authority – Uttarakhand (2003)
AICC Observer – for assembly elections in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Haryana.
Coordinator for 2004 Lok Sabha Elections – Haryana and Chairman, Campaign Committee – J&K.
His strategic guidance, organizational discipline, and grassroots connection contributed immensely to the strengthening of the Congress Party in the region.
Contribution to Education
A true educationist at heart, Thakur Charak Ji founded the Dogra Educational Trust, a hallmark of his lifelong commitment to knowledge and nation-building.
Institutions Founded:
Dogra Higher Secondary School
Dogra College of Education
Dogra Law College (3-year course) – first private law college in J&K
Dogra Law College (5-year integrated course) – first in J&K
Dogra Degree College
Dogra Institute of Education & Teacher Training
Rich Harvest School (CBSE)
He also served as:
Chairman, Forum of Recognized Colleges of Education – Jammu
President, Association of Recognized Schools of J&K
Chairman, Advisory Committee of Recognized Schools Associations – J&K
These institutions continue to uphold his vision of value-based, quality education for all.
Social Service and Peace Initiatives
Thakur Charak Ji was a humanitarian and social reformer who worked tirelessly to build bridges of peace and unity during the most turbulent times in J&K.
Key Initiatives & Organizations Founded:
Dogra Sadar Sabha, J&K – the oldest democratic and secular organization (founded 1904); revived and strengthened under his leadership.
Jammu Peace Council – formed during peak militancy to promote harmony and communal amity.
Jammu Maha Sabha – an umbrella platform of social, cultural, and trade organizations.
Major Contributions:
Organized the historic Round Table Conference (1994) in Jammu, bringing together separatist and mainstream leaders for peace dialogue.
Promoted communal harmony in collaboration with national leaders like Sharad Pawar and Pratibha Patil during post-riot peace missions.
Launched “Message of Humanity” Annual Peace Conferences.
Mobilized 1500 Dogra youth as porters during the Kargil War, and organized Shradhanjali Samaroh at Amar Jawan Jyoti, Delhi.
Extended Dogra Sadar Sabha internationally, establishing chapters in UK, USA, POJK, and Gulf countries.
Cultural, Heritage, and Linguistic Preservation
Thakur Charak Ji’s love for Dogra culture and language was unmatched.
Landmark Contributions:
Founder, Dogra Art Museum, Jammu.
Founder, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society – dedicated to restoration of the historic palace complex.
Led the movement for Dogri language inclusion in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India.
Chairman, Purmandal–Utterbehani Shrines Development Committee.
Initiated Chari Mubarak Yatra (since 1995) at Purmandal – now an annual spiritual event.
Founded Jammu Mela – celebrating unity and regional artistry.
Installed statues of Dogra heroes – Raja Jambu Lochan, Gen. Zorawar Singh, Mian Dido, Brig. Rajinder Singh, and others.
His deep respect for art, language, and heritage helped revive the pride and identity of the Dogra community.
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Promotion of Sports and Youth Development
Thakur Charak Ji firmly believed that sports build character, discipline, and unity.
Clubs and Sports Organizations Founded:
Gen. Zorawar Singh Hockey Club
Gen. Zorawar Singh Rifle Club (J&K)
Union Sporting Club
Maharaja Hari Singh Sports Club
International Cricket Club Jammu – affiliated to JKCA
He remained the Chief Patron of Sports Activities across Jammu, nurturing young talent and promoting physical education.
Religious and Community Leadership
President, Sanatan Dharam Sabha (Gandhi Nagar, Jammu)
Chairman, Shri Laxmi Narayan Mandir Management Trust, Jammu
Founder and Convener, Maha Panchayat (J&K)
Convener, Chowkidar–Numberdar Association
Chairman, Committee for “Guru Manyo Granth Yatra” (2008)
Through these roles, he unified communities and strengthened the moral fabric of society.
Legacy and Passing
Guided by the motto “If it can be imagined, it can be done”, Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak Ji dedicated his entire life to public service. His leadership, compassion, and integrity inspired generations of Dogras and citizens across India.
On 17th October 2025, he left for his heavenly abode, leaving behind a monumental legacy of patriotism, education, culture, and peace.
His name will forever remain synonymous with Dogra pride, integrity, and nation-building.
