Shrey Awasthi
On the birth anniversary of Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar, the undisputed architect of Himachal Pradesh, it’s time for reflection and not just celebration.
While garlands and glowing tributes are in plenty today, one wonders if the present-day Congress leadership truly understands, let alone follows, the legacy of the man they call their own. Because if they did, Himachal wouldn’t be witnessing confusion and policy paralysis, and betrayal of the youth.
Congress leader of a different character
Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar was a Congress leader, but of a different era and different character. He believed in serving the people and not just surviving in power. He built Himachal from scratch.
He fought tooth and nail to protect the identity of the hill people when powerful voices from Delhi wanted Himachal to be merged elsewhere. Today’s Congress, meanwhile, can’t even protect its own promises, let alone the state’s interests. Following are the lessons the present-day Congress should learn from Parmar.
Politics of principles, not excuses
Dr Parmar didn’t blame others for lack of resources, but carved opportunities from challenges. Today’s Congress, in contrast, blames Delhi, drought or even destiny for its every failure.
Youth empowerment, not exploitation
Parmar believed in creating jobs and empowering local governance. The present government, however, gives slogans instead of salaries, and contracts instead of careers. The much-criticised trainee job policy is a glaring example of how far the Congress has drifted from its foundational values.
Clear vision, not lottery governance
Dr Parmar had a clear roadmap for Himachal’s growth. Today’s Congress seems to be relying on lotteries, not just for jobs but for ideas too. Policies are made on a trial-and-error basis as if Himachal is a playground, not a proud state.
Thanks to the firm foundation laid by Parmar as Himachal today leads among hill states in per capita income, literacy and social indicators. But instead of building upon that foundation, the Congress government today seems busy undoing years of progress with indecision and infighting.
Even bureaucrats and grassroots workers whisper the truth: “This isn’t the Congress of Parmar, it’s a pale imitation.”
Every year on Parmar’s birth anniversary, the same party that is dismantling his legacy step-by-step pays him flowery tributes. Speeches are written, social media posts are designed, but none dare follow his ethics, his simplicity or his vision.
Dr. Parmar built institutions; today’s Congress builds narratives.
So, today as the Congress pays tribute to Yashwant Parmar, the ruling party leadership must not just remember him, but become a little like him. There is need to follow his courage, commitment and most importantly, his honesty toward the people of Himachal because the real tribute to Parmar is not in remembering his name, but in respecting his legacy.
(The writer is the state coordinator of HP Unemployed Youth Federation; views are personal)
