Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar

Born at Chanhalag in Sirmaur, trained in law and sociology (his doctoral work was on polyandry in the Himalaya), and a judge in Sirmaur state before entering politics.

Elected president of the Himalayan Hill States Regional Council at Mandi in March 1946, he argued the case for a single hill administrative unit against both the rulers and the Punjab lobby. He became the first Chief Minister on 8 March 1952, returned to office in 1963, and was Chief Minister when Himachal became the 18th state on 25 January 1971.

• Served as Chief Minister 1952–56, 1963–71 (UT) and 1971–77 (state).
• The Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni (Solan), is named after him.
• He is titled the architect / father of Himachal Pradesh.