TNR News Network
Shahpur: The Himachal Pradesh Government should honour the legacy of Major Vijay Singh Mankotia by naming Government College Shahpur after him and installing his life-size statue at a prominent location in Kangra district, said Shrey Awasthi, a local resident of Shahpur.
Major Vijay Singh Mankotia was a distinguished Indian Army officer who served the nation during the 1962 India-China War and the 1965 and 1971 wars. He later served the people of Shahpur as an MLA on five occasions and also held ministerial responsibilities in the Himachal Pradesh Government.
Shrey Awasthi said that Government College Shahpur should be renamed “Major Vijay Singh Mankotia Government College” in recognition of his contribution to the region. He pointed out that Major Mankotia had played an important role in facilitating the establishment of the college, including encouraging local farmers to make land available for the institution.
“Major Vijay Singh Mankotia was not only a brave soldier who served the country in times of war but also a mass leader who remained closely connected with the people of Shahpur. His contribution to the development of the area deserves a permanent institutional recognition,” Awasthi said.
He further said that the issue of the lack of state honours at Major Mankotia’s funeral has deeply disappointed ex-servicemen and people across Himachal Pradesh. The absence of any state minister at the funeral was also unfortunate, he said.
“Whatever may have happened at the time of his last rites, the government now has an opportunity to honour his legacy through a meaningful and permanent decision,” Awasthi said.
Awasthi said that an appointment has been sought with the Chief Minister’s Office, and a delegation from Shahpur will soon meet the Chief Minister. The delegation will urge the government to announce the renaming of the college within 15 days.
He also demanded that a life-size statue of Major Vijay Singh Mankotia be installed at a suitable and prominent location in Kangra district, so that his contribution to the nation and the region continues to inspire future generations.
“The soldier who defended the nation on the battlefield, the leader who represented Shahpur for decades, and the public figure who contributed to the development of the region deserves more than words of tribute. The government should now take a concrete decision and give his legacy the permanent honour it deserves,” Awasthi said.
— Shrey Awasthi
Local Resident, Shahpur
