Munish Sood
MANDI/Shimla:
On the birth anniversary of former six-time Chief Minister late Virbhadra Singh on Monday (June 23), Himachal Pradesh fondly remembered the towering legacy of a statesman whose name became synonymous with leadership, perseverance and development.
Often hailed as the father figure of modern Himachal, Virbhadra’s contribution to the state’s political and developmental landscape remains unparalleled, says his supporters.
Born on June 23, 1934, at Sarahan in Shimla district in the princely state of Bushahr, Virbhadra was the 122nd titular Raja of the erstwhile royal kingdom. He carried the grace of royalty but lived and worked with the heart of a public servant. Educated at Colonel Brown Cambridge School (Dehradun), Bishop Cotton School (Shimla) and later St Stephen’s College (Delhi), his intellectual foundation matched his political foresight.
Record-setting career in public life
Virbhadra Singh’s political journey began in 1962 when he was elected to the Lok Sabha at the age of 27. Over the next six decades, he emerged as one of the most enduring figures in Indian politics, being elected five times to Parliament and an unprecedented nine times to the Himachal Pradesh Assembly.
His tenure as Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, spread across six terms between 1983 and 2017, remains a record in itself. Under his stewardship, the state witnessed significant strides in infrastructure, healthcare, education and tourism. His visionary governance helped transform Himachal Pradesh from a remote hill state into one of the most progressive states in India.
Service at the national level
Beyond the boundaries of Himachal, Virbhadra Singh also served with distinction in the Union Cabinet. His central responsibilities included tenures as Deputy Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Minister of State for Industries and Cabinet Minister for Steel and later for the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. At every level, his leadership was marked by a commitment to inclusive growth and balanced development.
Despite his aristocratic background, Virbhadra Singh remained deeply connected with the grassroots. His legendary rapport with the people, particularly in the hill regions, set him apart. Known for his warmth, approachability and willingness to listen, he was revered not just as a political leader, but as a father figure across communities.
His guiding principle of “my people are my strongest argument” was more than a slogan; it was the ethos that defined his political philosophy. In public meetings, village visits, or assembly sessions, he remained steadfast in his focus on the needs of the common man.
Trials, triumphs and unshakeable resolve
His political career was not without its challenges. From intra-party conflicts to corruption allegations, Virbhadra faced adversity with poise. Each time, he emerged stronger, exemplifying rare resilience. His return to power in 2012, amidst personal and political turbulence, was a testament to his enduring appeal and strategic brilliance.
Virbhadra’s personal life was deeply rooted in tradition and public service. Married first to Ratna Kumari of Jubbal and later to Pratibha Singh of Keonthal, a three-time Member of Parliament from Mandi, his son Vikramaditya Singh currently serves as an MLA from Shimla-Rural.
Virbhadra passed away on July 8, 2021, due to multiple organ failure and complications related to COVID-19. His passing marked the end of an era, but not of his influence. On his birth anniversary, political leaders, citizens and admirers across the nation pay tribute to a man who was much more than a politician but an institution.
