Statue of Legacy: Remembering Virbhadra Singh at Shimla’s Historic Ridge
In the heart of Shimla, where colonial charm meets mountain serenity, a new statue now stands tall—honoring the towering legacy of six-time Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh. The Ridge, once the summer capital of British India and now a cultural landmark, witnessed a moment of history as Singh’s statue was unveiled alongside those of Mahatma Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Y.S. Parmar.
A Tribute Etched in Bronze
Monday’s unveiling ceremony drew senior Congress leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Rajeev Shukla, all paying homage to a man whose political journey shaped the very soul of Himachal Pradesh. Virbhadra Singh, born into the royal family of Bushahr on June 23, 1934, was not just a ruler by birth—he was a leader by choice. At just 13, he ascended the throne of Bushahr, becoming its last king before stepping into democratic politics.
Scholar, Historian, Reluctant Politician
Singh’s early dreams were academic. After schooling at Shimla’s Bishop Cotton School and earning a BA (Honors) from Delhi’s St. Stephen’s College, he pursued an MA in History, hoping to become a professor. But destiny had other plans. Encouraged by Lal Bahadur Shastri, Singh entered politics—and never looked back.
From Parliament to the People
His political career began with a Lok Sabha win from Mahasu in 1962, followed by victories in 1967 and 1971. Though he faced defeat in 1977, he bounced back in 1980 and again in 2009. Singh held key ministerial roles under Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh, including Tourism, Civil Aviation, Steel, and MSME portfolios.
The Man Who Led Himachal Six Times
Virbhadra Singh’s journey as Chief Minister began in 1983. Over the next three decades, he held the post six times—1983–1985, 1985–1990, 1993–1998, briefly in 1998, 2003–2007, and 2012–2017. His tenure was marked by a deep commitment to education and healthcare. He famously said, “Even if there’s only one child, a school will be built.” Thanks to his efforts, Shimla’s IGMC Hospital began performing open-heart surgeries.
A Final Battle and a Lasting Legacy
Even in his final years, Singh showed resilience—beating COVID-19 twice before succumbing to illness on July 8, 2021, at IGMC Hospital. His legacy lives on through his family: wife Pratibha Singh, now Congress state president and MP from Mandi, and son Vikramaditya Singh, currently Himachal’s PWD Minister.
Virbhadra Singh’s statue isn’t just a tribute—it’s a reminder of a life devoted to public service, a legacy that continues to shape Himachal’s future. From royal robes to political rallies, his journey was one of transformation, dedication, and enduring impact.
