Virbhadra Singh, the royal leader who touched hearts

Long after Sonia Gandhi unveiled the statue of Virbhadra Singh and all the dignitaries were gone, people were found jostling to get close to the statue and have a ‘selfie’ with their favourite leader. Even elderly people could be seen walking around, carrying the poster of Virbhadra Singh with childlike enthusiasm. Unlike at most political functions, people seemed in no rush to leave the venue. The admirers of the late leader wanted to stay around his statue and pay their heartfelt tributes.

Sita Ram Sharma, a 73-year-old person from Solan, explained why people were reluctant to go away early. “Virbhadra Singh was always ready to help people who came to him. I’ve seen him giving money to the poor and needy from his own pocket. He would be so moved by the plight of people that his eyes would be in tears while listening to their problems. And it didn’t matter to him at all whether the person coming to him was from the Congress or the BJP,” said Sharma. “He built up a close bond with common people during his long political career and the love and respect for him is the result of that bond he nurtured throughout his life,” said Sharma.

For the 65-yar-old Kamla Verma, a ground-level party worker from Karsog, humility was the standout quality of Virbhadra Singh. “He would come and sit with us, listen to us and always ask if there was something he could do. He treated everyone with respect and affection and never discriminated on the basis of their social or financial status,” said Kamla Verma. “All leaders should try and learn how he behaved with people,” she said.

Apart from common people, Virbhadra Singh’s dedication towards people left a lasting impression on fellow politicians.

Calling himself a student of Virbhadra Singh school of thought, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri recalled how serving people was the top priority for Virbhadra Singh. “When we used to tour with him, he would always ask before going to bed if there was still anyone who wanted to meet him. And then in the morning, he would again ask if someone had come to meet him,” said Agnihotri, underscoring Virbhadra Singh’s commitment to serve people.