Munish Sood
Mandi
Veteran BJP leader’s warm gesture during 45-minute Palampur meeting opens a wider conversation on women’s leadership, grassroots politics and the future of Himachal
A warm exchange between 92-year-old former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shanta Kumar and senior educationist and social worker Prof. Anupama Singh became the defining moment of their meeting in Palampur on Thursday, as the veteran leader affectionately told her, “You are my younger sister,” while discussions also focused on the growing role of women in public life.
The nearly 45-minute interaction went beyond a courtesy meeting, covering Himachal Pradesh’s social and political landscape, rural society, farmers, grassroots governance, women’s leadership and value-based education for the younger generation.
The personal moment came when Prof. Singh sought to express her respect for Shanta Kumar by touching his feet. The veteran leader stopped her affectionately and addressed her as his “younger sister.” The gesture transformed the meeting into a warm interaction between generations, with the conversation subsequently touching upon the need for women to assume a more prominent role in social and public affairs.
Prof. Singh spoke about the increasing participation of women in Panchayati Raj institutions, municipal bodies and other local self-governing institutions. She said women in Himachal possess leadership, decision-making ability and a strong sense of social responsibility, and that their participation in public life should continue to expand.
The discussion assumes significance against the backdrop of the changing role of women in grassroots politics, where elected representatives are increasingly contributing to decision-making at the village and local-government levels.
From a personal meeting to a conversation on public life
Prof. Singh described the interaction with Shanta Kumar as an inspiring and deeply meaningful experience, particularly because of his long public career and his engagement with social issues, writing and public affairs.
The veteran leader’s experience in state and national politics provided the backdrop for a discussion on how the next generation can contribute to Himachal’s development.
Prof. Singh said the state’s future should be viewed beyond economic growth and should include social values, quality education, stronger rural communities, prosperous farmers, greater opportunities for women and character-building among youth.
Shanta Kumar gifts book on Swami Vivekananda
Another significant aspect of the meeting was the discussion on Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy and its relevance to young people.
Shanta Kumar presented Prof. Singh with his book inspired by the life and ideas of Swami Vivekananda. The two discussed the importance of introducing young people to values such as self-confidence, discipline, service, national consciousness and social responsibility.
Prof. Singh suggested that Vivekananda’s life and philosophy could be incorporated more systematically into school education, suitably adapted to different age groups.
“If we sow the seed of an idea in childhood itself, its values remain with a person throughout life,” she said.
She emphasised that education should not be restricted to academic achievement and should also contribute to the development of character and a sense of responsibility towards society.
Shanta Kumar expressed support for the idea of connecting the younger generation with Vivekananda’s thoughts.
A meeting with a larger message
For Prof. Singh, the meeting was an opportunity to draw upon the experience of one of Himachal’s longest-serving public figures while also discussing issues that increasingly concern the state’s younger generation and women.
The interaction brought together two generations of public engagement — the experience of a veteran leader who has spent decades in public life and the perspective of an educationist and social worker advocating a larger role for women, stronger grassroots participation and value-based education.
Prof. Singh said the meeting would remain memorable for her not merely because of the discussions, but also because of the warmth with which Shanta Kumar addressed her as his younger sister.
She described the interaction as a dialogue on experience, values, leadership and the future of Himachal Pradesh, rather than merely a formal meeting.
