Shanta Kumar’s autobiography released in Punjabi: A testament to truth, integrity

A Punjabi translation of former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar’s autobiography ‘Nij Path Ka Avichal Panthi’ was released today at the Central University of Himachal Pradesh.

The ceremony was organised by the Punjabi and Dogri Department. The book has been translated into Punjabi by Dr Naresh Kumar.

Shanta Kumar, who was the chief guest on the occasion, spoke passionately about his six decades of political journey.

Drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita and Swami Vivekananda, he said acceptance and steadfastness in duty were his guiding principles. “Power may go, but truth will not,” he stated, reflecting on his decision to resign from the Chief Minister’s post on moral grounds.

The event was presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof Sat Prakash Bansal. Lok Sabha MP Dr Rajiv Bhardwaj, the special guest, described Shanta Kumar as a “Rajarishi”, a statesman whose life has exemplified public service, simplicity, and integrity. “I could not take initiation like Arjun,” Dr Bhardwaj, “but like Ekalavya, I have tried to follow his path from afar”.

Chancellor Harmohinder Singh Bedi, the keynote speaker, along with other dignitaries including YSP University VC Dr Rajeshwar Chandel and CUHP Registrar Narendra Sankhyan, lauded Dr Naresh Kumar’s efforts in bringing the inspiring stories from Shanta Kumar’s life to Punjabi readers.