Urges State to Name Thouna Plaun Power Project After Him
Munish Sood
Mandi
Former Lok Sabha candidate and grandson of late Union Minister Pandit Sukh Ram, Ashray Sharma, has extended full support to the demand raised by nominated Municipal Councillor Sanjay Sharma to install a statue of Pandit Sukh Ram at Indira Market in Mandi. Calling it a “much-deserved tribute” to the man who transformed India’s telecommunication landscape, Ashray said the move would honour the memory of a leader who dedicated his life to the progress and development of Himachal Pradesh.
In a strong statement issued to the media, Ashray Sharma also urged the state government to name the upcoming Thouna Plaun Hydroelectric Project after Pandit Sukh Ram, describing it as another fitting way to commemorate his visionary contribution to Mandi’s growth and Himachal’s modernization.
A Visionary Who Transformed Connectivity
Pandit Sukh Ram, remembered as the architect of India’s telecom revolution, laid the foundation for modern connectivity that reshaped both urban and rural India. His long political career, marked by innovation and inclusive growth, earned him immense respect across party lines. From his early struggles to his pivotal role in bringing advanced telecommunication networks to remote Himachali villages, Sukh Ram’s contribution remains a cornerstone of India’s digital journey.
Ashray Sharma, while addressing the media in Mandi, said, “My grandfather’s life was a story of relentless dedication and vision. Every department he headed—be it Defence, Food and Civil Supplies, Telecommunication, or Public Works—became a channel for growth and opportunity. He always placed Mandi and Himachal at the centre of every policy decision.”
A Legacy Carved in Development
Supporting Councillor Sanjay Sharma’s proposal for the statue, Ashray said such an initiative would not just preserve the late leader’s memory but also serve as a reminder of the values of innovation, service, and vision that Pandit Sukh Ram embodied.
“His journey was not just about politics,” Ashray added, “it was about giving people a voice, connecting them to opportunities, and ensuring Himachal’s place on the national map.”
Thouna Plaun Project: A Dream Taking Shape
Highlighting one of the state’s most anticipated development initiatives, Sharma said that the Thouna Plaun Hydroelectric Project in Kotli was originally part of Pandit Sukh Ram’s developmental vision for Mandi. He credited Mandi Sadar MLA Anil Sharma for his committed efforts in pushing the long-delayed project toward reality.
“This project represents my grandfather’s belief that progress begins with infrastructure and self-reliance,” said Ashray. “I am hopeful that its execution will soon begin on a war footing.”
A Request to the Chief Minister
Ashray Sharma revealed that he would soon meet Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to formally request that the Thouna Plaun project be named after Pandit Sukh Ram. “It would be a proud moment not just for our family but for every Himachali who benefited from his vision. Naming this project after him would be a true people’s tribute—one that recognizes his lifelong commitment to progress and connectivity,” he stated.
As the state looks ahead to a new phase of development, the call to honour Pandit Sukh Ram’s enduring legacy reminds everyone that great visions never fade—they evolve, inspiring new generations to dream bigger and build stronger.
