DW BUREAU / Shimla

Himachal Pradesh's first chief minister Yashwant Singh Parmar led an inspirational life and laid a strong foundation for the overall development of the state, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during a programme held on Parmar's 118th birth anniversary.

Sukhu said Parmar, the founder of Himachal Pradesh, was a great personality who used to think well ahead of his times. He dedicated his entire life for the welfare of Himachal and its people. "It was the dream of Dr Parmar to see Himachal progressing in all fields," said Sukhu.

"It was because of the continuous and untiring efforts of Dr Parmar that Himachal got its separate identity as a hill state with a rich and distinct culture, tradition and language," said the chief minister.

"Dr Parmar is also known as preserver and promoter of Himachal's rich culture and environment, and always paid great respect and importance to preservation of forest and wildlife. It was Dr Parmar who laid the roadmap for making Himachal a green state," he added.

Earlier, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes to Dr. Parmar at the Ridge on his statue and witnessed a photo exhibition based on his life.

Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania also paid floral tribute to Dr. Parmar and said that he has made a huge contribution in the formation of Himachal Pradesh. He said that at the time of formation of Himachal Pradesh, the financial condition of the state was not good, but Dr. Y.S. Parmar faced those challenges strongly and brought the state out of big obstacles. He added that Dr. Parmar played an important role in getting the Statehood status for Himachal in the year 1971. The work done by him in the interest of the state will always be remembered.

(editor@dailyworld.in)