Demand for Bharat Ratna for Himachal’s Architect, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar

Shimla, August 21 – The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly today unanimously passed a resolution urging that Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award, be conferred on the state’s first Chief Minister and founding father, the late Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar.

The resolution, moved under Rule 101 by Nahan MLA Ajay Solanki, highlighted Dr. Parmar’s extraordinary contribution to the creation and development of Himachal Pradesh. Solanki said that by uniting small hill principalities, Dr. Parmar laid the foundation of the state and gave it a distinct identity despite the most challenging circumstances. It is due to his vision and tireless efforts, he added, that Himachal is on the path of progress today.

He stressed that conferring the Bharat Ratna on Dr. Parmar would not only honor a statesman of exceptional stature but also fulfill the aspirations of the people of Himachal.

The resolution received wholehearted support from both treasury and opposition benches. Industries Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan recalled Dr. Parmar’s simplicity, noting that even as Chief Minister he traveled in HRTC buses and stayed in rest houses. Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi described him as a messiah for tribal communities and the one who laid down the model of development for hill states.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur said that had Himachal been merged into another state, its culture would have been lost, but Dr. Parmar safeguarded its distinct identity. BJP MLA Sukhram Chaudhary remarked that history is not shaped by events alone but also by great personalities—and Dr. Parmar was one such towering figure.

MLA Hansraj suggested that his birth and death anniversaries be observed on a larger scale so that future generations learn about his legacy. Congress MLA Vinod Sultanpuri emphasized that Dr. Parmar never saw power as a privilege but as a means to serve the people. BJP MLA Reena Kashyap proposed that the panchayat and school associated with him be declared model institutions.

Deputy Speaker Vinay Kumar recalled that Dr. Parmar, who led a life of simplicity, loved traditional pahari cuisine and preferred eating by the hearth. Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur also extended support, saying that though this demand has been long delayed, it is entirely justified. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri observed that Dr. Parmar needs no certificate of recognition—his legacy will be remembered for centuries.

Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, while declaring the resolution passed, said that though the honor may have been delayed, “better late than never.” He added that the House had risen above political lines to speak in one voice, and now the central government must act upon this unanimous demand.

Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar was born on August 4, 1906, and passed away on May 2, 1981. Widely hailed as the “Architect of Himachal,” he is remembered for uniting the small hill states, safeguarding the state’s culture and identity, and leading with vision, simplicity, and dedication as Himachal Pradesh’s first Chief Minister.