Governor, Chief Minister, ministers and Congress leaders lead statewide tributes; welfare and environmental initiatives mark the occasion
Munish Sood
Mandi
Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday paid rich tributes to former six-time Chief Minister Raja Virbhadra Singh on his 93rd birth anniversary, with commemorative events held across the state celebrating the legacy of one of its tallest political leaders.
The main state-level tribute was held at the Ridge in Shimla, where Governor Kavinder Gupta, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh paid floral tributes at the statue of the late leader. The Chief Minister was accompanied by senior members of his Cabinet and other dignitaries during the ceremony.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said Raja Virbhadra Singh’s immense contribution to the development of Himachal Pradesh, public welfare and the strengthening of democratic traditions would always be remembered. Paying homage at the statue, he described the former Chief Minister as a towering statesman whose vision and leadership played a defining role in shaping modern Himachal Pradesh.
Governor Kavinder Gupta also remembered Raja Virbhadra Singh’s decades-long contribution to the state’s development, describing him as a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the progress of Himachal Pradesh. He said the former Chief Minister rose above caste, regional and political divisions and pursued balanced development across the state. The Governor noted that serving six terms as Chief Minister reflected the extraordinary faith and affection the people of Himachal Pradesh had reposed in him.
Commemorative programmes were organised in several districts, reflecting the widespread respect Raja Virbhadra Singh continues to command years after his passing. Blood donation camps, free medical check-up camps, fruit distribution drives and other public welfare activities marked the occasion, with Congress workers, supporters and members of the public paying homage to the veteran leader.
In Lahaul-Spiti’s Koksar Panchayat, the Raja Virbhadra Singh Foundation, in collaboration with the local panchayat, organised a plantation drive to honour his commitment to environmental conservation. The programme began with floral tributes before saplings were planted and local elected representatives were felicitated for their contribution to community development. Foundation representatives said similar environmental initiatives would be expanded to other panchayats in the district.
In Mandi, the District Congress Committee organised a commemorative function at Gandhi Bhawan where party leaders and workers remembered Raja Virbhadra Singh as the architect of modern Himachal Pradesh. Speakers highlighted his contributions to road connectivity, education, healthcare, horticulture and rural development, while recalling his role in laying the foundation for the state’s long-term socio-economic progress. Party leaders later visited the Zonal Hospital to distribute fruits among patients as part of the birth anniversary observance.
Marking the occasion, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh shared an emotional message on social media, describing his father as a guiding force whose ideals of truth, service and dedication continue to inspire him. He reaffirmed his commitment to carrying forward Raja Virbhadra Singh’s vision of inclusive and balanced development while noting that blood donation camps, free medical check-ups and fruit distribution programmes were being organised at several places across the state in his memory.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential political figures in Himachal Pradesh, Raja Virbhadra Singh served the state and the nation in public life for over six decades. His contributions to infrastructure, education, healthcare, horticulture, rural connectivity and public welfare continue to shape the state’s development, ensuring that his legacy remains deeply embedded in the history and public life of Himachal Pradesh
