Lessons from Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar for Today's Congress Leadership
Reflecting on Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar's Legacy
Shrey Awasthi
As we commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar, the visionary founder of Himachal Pradesh, it is essential to engage in reflection rather than mere celebration.
While numerous tributes and garlands are presented today, one must question whether the current Congress leadership genuinely comprehends or adheres to the legacy of this esteemed figure. If they truly did, the state of Himachal would not be plagued by confusion, policy stagnation, and a sense of betrayal among the youth.
A Different Kind of Congress Leader
Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar represented a unique breed of Congress leader, one who prioritized public service over mere political survival. He was instrumental in the development of Himachal Pradesh from its inception.
He fiercely defended the identity of the hill communities when influential voices from Delhi sought to merge Himachal with other regions. In stark contrast, the contemporary Congress struggles to uphold its own commitments, let alone safeguard the interests of the state. Here are some vital lessons that the current Congress can learn from Parmar.
Principled Politics Over Excuses
Dr. Parmar did not attribute resource shortages to external factors; instead, he transformed challenges into opportunities. Conversely, today's Congress often blames external circumstances, such as Delhi's policies or natural disasters, for its shortcomings.
Empowering Youth, Not Exploiting Them
Parmar was dedicated to job creation and empowering local governance. In contrast, the current administration offers slogans instead of employment and contracts rather than career paths. The controversial trainee job policy exemplifies how far the Congress has strayed from its foundational principles.
A Clear Vision Over Lottery Governance
Dr. Parmar had a well-defined strategy for the growth of Himachal Pradesh. Today's Congress appears to rely on chance, not only for job creation but also for policy formulation. Decisions seem to be made on a trial-and-error basis, treating Himachal as a testing ground rather than a proud state.
Thanks to the solid groundwork laid by Parmar, Himachal Pradesh now excels among hill states in terms of per capita income, literacy, and social indicators. However, instead of building on this legacy, the current Congress government seems preoccupied with reversing years of progress through indecision and internal conflicts.
Even among bureaucrats and grassroots workers, there is a shared sentiment: “This is not the Congress of Parmar; it is merely a shadow of its former self.” Each year, on Parmar's birth anniversary, the same party that is gradually dismantling his legacy pays him extravagant tributes. Speeches are crafted, and social media posts are created, yet few are willing to emulate his ethics, simplicity, or vision.
Dr. Parmar established institutions; today’s Congress focuses on crafting narratives. Therefore, as the Congress honors Yashwant Parmar today, the leadership must not only remember him but also strive to embody his qualities. There is a pressing need to adopt his courage, commitment, and, most importantly, his integrity towards the people of Himachal. The true homage to Parmar lies not in merely recalling his name but in honoring his enduring legacy.
(The writer is the state coordinator of HP Unemployed Youth Federation; views are personal)