Vidya Stokes turns 99: A life of grace, grit and public service — CM Sukhu visits veteran leader at her Shimla residence
Shimla, Dec 9,
Marking a rare milestone in Himachal’s political history, veteran leader Vidya Stokes celebrated her 99th birthday on Sunday, receiving a personal visit and warm wishes from Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at her Shimla residence. The Chief Minister extended heartfelt greetings, wishing her continued health and long life, calling her “a towering figure whose integrity and contribution will inspire generations.
At 99, Vidya Stokes stands as one of the state’s most enduring and respected public figures — a leader whose political journey has spanned half a century, shaped by quiet strength, humility, and an unwavering commitment to public welfare.
Born on 8 December 1927 in Kotgarh (then in Punjab), Stokes entered active politics in 1974 following the demise of her husband, contesting and winning the seat he left behind. What began as a moment of personal tragedy evolved into one of the longest and most influential careers in Himachal Pradesh politics.
Over the decades, she was elected to the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly eight times — in 1974, 1982, 1985, 1990, 1998, 2003, 2007, and 2012 — a testament to the deep trust she commanded among people across generations.
In government, she held significant portfolios, including Power, Horticulture, Irrigation & Public Health, and Science & Technology, shaping policies that left long-lasting impact on the state’s development. Her election as the first woman Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly further cemented her place in the state’s political milestones.
Yet, Stokes’ influence extended far beyond the Vidhan Sabha. She played a pioneering role in cooperative movements, farmers’ welfare, and rural development. Her leadership ranged from serving on the SBI Board (1972–73) to heading the State Co-operative Union, the National Farmers Forum (state unit), and several farmer-centric organisations.
In sports administration, she was a formidable force. As President of the Indian Women’s Hockey Association, and later, at the age of 83, as President of Hockey India, she helped steer the unification of men’s and women’s hockey bodies in 2010 — a major reform in Indian sport.
Perhaps the most defining aspect of Vidya Stokes’ public life is her refusal to accept any government salary or perks throughout her long career — a gesture that reflects her belief in politics as a service, not a privilege. Her integrity, simplicity, and discipline continue to make her a moral benchmark in public life.
As Himachal Pradesh salutes a leader who turns 99 and remains remarkably strong in spirit, the occasion serves as a reminder of an era where public life was built on values, not optics. Vidya Stokes’ journey stands as a rare legacy — of service without expectation, leadership without arrogance, and longevity defined not by age, but by relevance.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.