Bhuttico Marks Birth Anniversary of Virbhadra Singh, Remembers Him as “Architect of Modern Himachal”.
Shimla:
The birth anniversary of former Chief Minister and veteran statesman Raja Virbhadra Singh, widely regarded as a towering political figure and a leader who “ruled millions of hearts,” was observed with reverence at the Bhuttico Auditorium in Kullu on Tuesday.
The commemorative event brought together cooperative leaders, officials, and hundreds of weavers associated with the Bhuttico cooperative society, all gathered to pay tribute to the legacy of the six-time Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
“A Visionary and Development Messiah”: Bhuttico Leadership
Addressing the gathering, Bhuttico Chairman and former Horticulture Minister Satya Prakash Thakur described Virbhadra Singh as a “yug purush” (man of the era) and a “messiah of development,” crediting him with transforming Himachal Pradesh into one of India’s leading progressive hill states.
He said that Virbhadra Singh served the state as Chief Minister multiple times and consistently worked toward holistic development, ensuring that growth reached every region and section of society. According to him, the former leader carried everyone together and strengthened the spirit of inclusive governance throughout his political career.
Architect of Development and Identity
Satya Prakash Thakur highlighted that under Virbhadra Singh’s leadership, Himachal Pradesh made significant strides in sectors such as education, horticulture, and social welfare, including initiatives in family planning and rural development.
He said that the former Chief Minister played a pivotal role in giving Himachal Pradesh a distinct identity at the national level, where the people came to be recognized for their hard work, patriotism, bravery, and natural cultural heritage.
He further noted that Virbhadra Singh’s policies helped establish Himachal Pradesh as a leading horticulture state, significantly boosting farmers’ incomes and strengthening the rural economy.
The Bhuttico Chairman also emphasized that the leader gave Himachali culture, especially the traditional cap, recognition across India and abroad, symbolizing the pride and identity of the hill state.
Contributions Beyond the State
Remembering his long political career, speakers noted that Virbhadra Singh also served as a Union Cabinet Minister and was elected multiple times as a Member of Parliament, contributing to both state and national development.
His consistent engagement with cooperative movements was also highlighted, with special mention of his strong and enduring association with Bhuttico, one of Himachal Pradesh’s premier cooperative institutions.
According to Thakur, the former Chief Minister always treated Bhuttico as a family whenever he visited Kullu and deeply appreciated its handcrafted products, encouraging the cooperative movement throughout his tenure.
Call to Follow His Ideals
On the occasion, Satya Prakash Thakur urged everyone present to follow the ideals and principles of the late leader, describing his life as a guiding light for future generations. He called upon people to walk on the path shown by Virbhadra Singh, emphasizing service, development, and unity.
Wide Participation in Tribute Event
The event witnessed the presence of Bhuttico Vice Chairman Rohit Thakur, Director Madan Lal, Sohan Singh, Indira Devi, Atma Ram, Acting General Manager Surti Devi, General Manager Kishan Chand, and several other officials including Dinesh Thakur, Anika Thakur, Kavita Thakur, Shalini, Shashi, Om Prakash, Sunil, Gaurav, Veena, Mahendra Singh, along with hundreds of weavers and cooperative members.
The gathering collectively paid floral tributes and remembered Virbhadra Singh as a leader whose vision, simplicity, and developmental approach continue to inspire Himachal Pradesh.
