Resolution in Himachal assembly seeks Bharat Ratna for Dr. Y.S. Parmar
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Shimla, Aug 21,
The Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha on Thursday witnessed an emotional tribute to Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar, the state’s first Chief Minister, with members recalling his unmatched contribution to the creation and shaping of Himachal Pradesh. In Private Members’ Business Ajay Solanki Nahan MLA proposed that Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian honour, be conferred upon Dr. Parmar in recognition of his vision, integrity and statesmanship.
“This House recommends to the Central Government to confer Bharat Ratna on the creator of Himachal Pradesh and its first Chief Minister Late Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar ji in view of his tireless services in the development and progress of the country and the state”, stated the resolution.
Industries, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour and Employment minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, while supporting the resolution, described Dr. Parmar as a visionary leader who laid the foundation of modern Himachal. Recalling his simplicity, he said Parmar was a man who could leave his office and travel back in a public bus, dressed simply, living only on his salary. “I have read his letters to his children, where they demanded shoes and he wrote back refusing because he could not afford them. Such was his honesty and dedication,” said Chauhan, adding that the state today runs on a budget of ₹58,000 crore, while in his time the plan size was only ₹52 crore. Chauhan remembered his father, also a legislator, while narrating that Himachal will prosper only when its “hand lines become road lines,” a vision Parmar championed through horticulture, agriculture and hydropower projects.
Supporting the resolution, Revenue, Horticulture, Tribal Development, Redressal of Public Grievances minister and MLA Kinnaur J.S. Negi said that it was because of Parmar’s vision that Himachal is known today for its roads, horticulture, agriculture and education. “When we talk about development, we must remember his time as Chief Minister, when he would walk for hours to reach far-flung tribal areas without expecting anything in return, only to connect with the people. Even his research work, such as his writings on Himachal’s polyandry system, shows his academic depth. The Opposition should have stayed to hear this, instead of walking out,” Negi remarked.
Education Minister and MLA Rohit Thakur termed Dr. Parmar as the “creator of Himachal and a source of inspiration for mountain people.” He recalled that when Himachal was formed, only six towns had electricity and the budget was limited to a few crores. “From institutions like the High Court to Himachal Pradesh University, many pillars of our present-day state were built during his era. Beyond party lines, he worked for the pride of Himachal, taking equal pride in our local culture and cuisine,” said Thakur, thanking Faisal Ali, a member of the committee that recommended statehood for Himachal.
Former minister and MLA Sukhram Chaudhary said history is shaped not by events but by the work of great leaders like Parmar. He recalled Parmar’s academic brilliance and his resolve that the hill state deserved a separate identity. “If not for his courage and vision, Himachal would never have taken its present shape. He knew roads were the key to progress and worked tirelessly to connect the state, while also taking education to the doorsteps of citizens. He was not just a leader but a thought – a thought that continues to guide us towards self-reliance. His birthday should be celebrated more intensely, even at the village level, and his life must be introduced as a subject for children, who unfortunately know little about him today,” Chaudhary suggested.
The House, while debating the resolution, resonated with the collective sentiment that Dr. Parmar’s contribution to Himachal’s identity, growth and pride was unparalleled, and honouring him with Bharat Ratna would be a tribute not just to a leader, but to the spirit of the state itself.
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