Uttarakhand, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, holds a special place in India’s landscape, not only for its breathtaking natural beauty but also for its rich political history. As the youngest state in the Indian Union, Uttarakhand’s journey towards statehood was marked by several milestones, one of which was the appointment of its first Chief Minister.
Nityanand Swami, born Nityanand Sharma on 27th December 1927 in Narnaul, Punjab (now in Haryana, India), left an indelible mark in Indian politics as the inaugural Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. A dedicated leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Swami’s political journey was characterized by a fervent commitment to public service and advocacy for the people of Uttarakhand.
| Name: Nityanand Swami |
| Date of birth: 27th December 1927 |
| Place of birth: Narnaul, Punjab, British India |
| Known for: 1st Chief Minister of Uttarakhand |
| Political Party: Bharatiya Janata Party |
| Death: 12th December 2012 |
Nityanand Swami, born as Nityanand Sharma on 27 December 1927 in Narnaul, Haryana, spent most of his life in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. His father’s service at the Forest Research Institute facilitated his upbringing in Dehradun. Swami actively participated in the Freedom Struggle from a young age. He was recognized for his intellectual prowess and oratory skills, earning the title of an all-around student at the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic College, Dehradun.
Swami’s foray into active politics began under the Bharatiya Jan Sangh. Throughout his political journey, he remained dedicated to the cause of laborers, often resorting to non-violent hunger strikes as a form of protest. He was elected as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly from the Dehradun constituency in 1969. Subsequently, he served as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council from the graduate constituency of Garhwal and Kumaon. Swami held several notable positions within the legislative bodies, including Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Legislative Council of Uttar Pradesh.
Behind the scenes, Swami played a crucial role in the struggle for the creation of a separate state of Uttarakhand. His advocacy for the upliftment of the region’s infrastructure and policies earned him recognition, including the “Pride of the Doon” Award. Swami’s dedication to promoting the use of Hindi, India’s national language, was acknowledged with the Uttar Pradesh Ratna award in 2000.
On 9 November 2000, Nityanand Swami assumed office as the first Chief Minister of the newly formed state of Uttarakhand, then known as Uttaranchal. During his tenure, he focused on the development and governance of the nascent state. However, his term was short-lived, as he resigned voluntarily on 29 October 2001, paving the way for Bhagat Singh Koshyari to assume office.
Nityanand Swami was married to Chandrakanta Swami and was a father to four daughters. His dedication to public service and commitment to the betterment of Uttarakhand remained unwavering until his passing on 12 December 2012, at the age of 84, in Dehradun. Swami’s contributions to Uttarakhand’s political and social landscape continue to be remembered, and his legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations of leaders in the region.
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