Former Himachal CM Virbhadra Singh Remembered on 5th Death Anniversary at Bhuttico Memorial Gathering in Kullu.
Shimla:
Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader Raja Virbhadra Singh was remembered with deep respect on his fifth death anniversary during a solemn memorial meeting held at the Bhuttico Auditorium in Kullu district on Wednesday. The gathering began with a two-minute silence as employees, directors and office bearers of Bhuttico Cooperative Society paid heartfelt tributes to the late leader, recalling his immense contribution to the development of Himachal Pradesh.
Addressing the gathering, Bhuttico Chairman and former Horticulture Minister Satya Prakash Thakur described the late Raja Virbhadra Singh as a visionary statesman, a “Yug Purush” (great leader of an era), and the architect of modern Himachal Pradesh. He said that Virbhadra Singh played a historic role in transforming the state through his far-sighted leadership and developmental policies.
Paying homage to the former Chief Minister, Satya Prakash Thakur said that Virbhadra Singh was instrumental in bringing all-round progress in the education sector, expanding road connectivity across the state, and laying the foundation for Himachal Pradesh’s emergence as one of India’s leading horticulture states. According to him, the late leader’s initiatives in promoting apple cultivation and horticulture significantly enhanced the income of farmers and orchardists, bringing economic prosperity to thousands of families.
Recalling his own association with the veteran leader, Thakur said that he had the privilege of serving as Horticulture Minister and Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Agricultural Marketing Board under Virbhadra Singh’s leadership. He stated that inspired by Virbhadra Singh’s vision, several vegetable markets across the state were modernized, enabling farmers and horticulturists to sell their produce within Himachal Pradesh itself rather than travelling to major markets in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and other states. These reforms, he said, ensured better prices and improved marketing facilities for growers.
He further highlighted that Raja Virbhadra Singh was instrumental in giving national recognition to the traditional Bushahri and Kullu caps, which today symbolize the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh and enjoy widespread popularity across the country.
Speaking about Virbhadra Singh’s association with Bhuttico, Satya Prakash Thakur said the former Chief Minister had immense affection for the cooperative institution. Whenever he visited Kullu, he would make it a point to visit Bhuttico, where he was always accorded a warm welcome. He noted that Virbhadra Singh commanded respect and affection across political parties and social groups because of his inclusive approach and commitment to public welfare.
He also described the late leader’s contribution towards strengthening Bhuttico Cooperative Society as unforgettable and urged everyone to follow the ideals, vision and developmental path shown by Raja Virbhadra Singh.
Among those present on the occasion were members of the Board of Directors, including Atma Ram, Jog Dhyan, Indra Devi and Shivani Thakur; Bhuttico Export Advisor; Chief General Manager Surti Devi; General Manager Kishan Thakur; Dinesh Thakur; Surender Singh; Sunil Thakur; Om Prakash; Mahinder Singh; Bhupender Singh; Mani Ram; Gaurav Thakur; Yashvir Thakur; Jatinder; Manish; Somavati; Meera; and other employees of the cooperative society, who joined in paying floral tributes to the late leader.
