Salig Ram

Dr. Salig Ram (15 August 1909 – 4 November 1986; also written as Dr. Saligram) was a medical doctor, freedom fighter, and politician from Himachal Pradesh, India. He belonged to the Indian National Congress. Over 1966–72, he served as a Member of Parliament from Himachal Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha. Over 1972–77, he served as a Minister with various portfolios in the Government of Himachal Pradesh, principally under the Chief Ministership of Y.S. Parmar and later for a brief period under Thakur Ram Lal. He was known as a dissident of Y.S. Parmar.

Personal life Salig Ram was born in a Brahmin family to Purusottam Ram, at Ustehr in Kangra district, which was back then a part of the Punjab Province of British India. He was educated at the G.A.V. School in Kangra, the D.A.V. College in Lahore, and the King Edward Medical School, Indore. He was married twice, the second time to Vidya Devi. He had four sons and four daughters.

Political career

Pre-Independence years In 1922, Salig Ram participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement against British rule in India. His association with the Indian National Congress, which remained his political party throughout his later political career, started in 1937.

Rajya Sabha Dr. Salig Ram served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from Himachal Pradesh, from 3 April 1966 till 19 March 1972. On the advice of the Chief Minister, Dr. Salig Ram was dismissed from his ministership by the Lt. Governor of Himachal Pradesh on 18 October 1973, under Article 164(1) of the Constitution of India. But he continued to be an MLA till early 1977. This government ended on 30 April 1977, followed by President's Rule for 53 days, and then the first Shanta Kumar ministry.

Others

In 1960, Dr. Salig Ram was a member of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, Kangra. In the 1960s, he served as the President of the District Congress Committee, Kangra. Over 1960–66, he served as the President of the Punjab PWD Worker's Union, Kangra. Over 1962–67, he served as the President of the Harijan Sevak Sangh, Kangra.