Narayan Singh Swamy, a two-time MLA from the Ghumarwin Assembly seat in Himachal Pradesh, has left behind a legacy following his recent passing. His departure will offer present-day leaders a unique perspective on politics amid the current election climate. Throughout his life, Narayan remained steadfast in his beliefs, notably opposing Pt. Sita Ram Sharma of the Congress party as his long-time political adversary. Sita Ram, a respected politician with strong convictions, served as a Congress MLA and Parliamentary Secretary from 1972 to 1977.
The two engaged in electoral battles during the 1977 and 1980 elections, with Narayan representing the Janata Party against Sita Ram's Congress candidacy, establishing themselves as prominent rivals in the political arena. Despite their differing ideologies, both individuals engaged in political sparring without crossing personal boundaries.
During the period from 1972 to 1977, Narayan frequented Sita Ram's residence at Metropole set number 203. On one occasion, while campaigning in Bharadi, Sita Ram's village, Narayan unexpectedly encountered his political opponent in the evening. Despite their rivalry, the two met amicably, with Sita Ram extending an invitation for dinner at his home. Narayan accepted the gesture and spent the night at Sita Ram's residence, only to resume campaigning against each other the following morning.
Their encounters continued, with Swamy visiting Sita Ram regularly and engaging in lengthy political discussions at the Metropole in Shimla. Swamy also shared a close friendship with Sita Ram's elder brother, Dr. Banshi Ram Sharma, both sharing a mutual interest in spirituality and often engaging in spiritual conversations. In a peculiar twist of fate, both Swamy and Sita Ram found themselves hospitalized at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Shimla in May 2016, each occupying a bed opposite the other in the cardiac care unit.
Unfortunately, due to their health conditions, both were unconscious and unable to communicate. Sita Ram passed away in July 2016, followed by Narayan Swamy, after a prolonged illness approximately eight years later. Though they are no longer with us, their shared message remains a poignant lesson for today's politicians.