Tribute to Atalji, the statesman who shaped India with his vision and determination
- Author: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
Today 25 December is a very special day for all of us. Our nation is celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of our beloved former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He is known as a politician who continues to inspire countless people.
Our country will always be grateful to Atalji as the architect of India's transformation in the 21st century. When he was sworn in as Prime Minister in 1998, our country was going through a period of political instability. In almost 9 years we saw 4 Lok Sabha elections. The people of India were growing impatient and doubted the government's ability to function. It was Atalji who changed this situation by providing stable and effective governance. Coming from a modest background, he realized the struggle of the common citizen and the transformative power of effective governance.
We can see the long-term impact of Atalji's leadership in many areas around us. His era marked a giant leap in the world of information technology, telecom and communication. This was especially important for a nation like ours, which was also blessed with a lot of energetic youth power. The NDA government under the leadership of Atalji made the first serious attempt to make technology accessible to common citizens.
At the same time, he showed vision in connecting India. Even today most people remember the Golden Quadrilateral project, which connected the corners of India. Equally significant were the Vajpayee government's efforts to increase local connectivity through initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
Similarly, his government promoted metro connectivity by undertaking extensive work for the Delhi Metro, which has emerged as a world-class infrastructure project. Thus, the Vajpayee government not only brought economic development but also brought remote regions closer, promoting unity and integration.
When it comes to the social sector, initiatives like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan show how Atalji dreamed of building an India where modern education is accessible across the country, especially to the poor and marginalized. Also, his government presided over several economic reforms that set the stage for an economic boom. It was preceded by decades of economic policies that encouraged cronyism and inaction.
A wonderful example of Vajpayee's leadership can be seen in the summer of 1998. His government had just taken over and on 11 May India conducted the Pokhran tests, known as Operation Shakti. These tests exemplify the strength of India's scientific community. The world was surprised that India had carried out the tests and expressed its anger without any doubt. Any ordinary leader would have bowed down, but Atalji was different. And what happened?
India remained adamant and the government called for a retest two days later on 13 May. If the May 11 tests showcased scientific prowess, the May 13 tests introduced true leadership. It was a message to the world that gone were the days when India would buckle under threats or pressure. Despite facing international sanctions, the then NDA government of Vajpayee stood firm, and was one of the strongest proponents of world peace while asserting India's right to defend its sovereignty.
Atalji understood Indian democracy and the need to strengthen it. Atalji presided over the creation of the NDA, which redefined coalitions in Indian politics. He brought people together and made NDA a force for development, national progress and regional ambitions. His parliamentary talent was evident throughout his political-journey.
She was from a party with a handful of MPs, but her words were enough to shake the might of the then all-powerful Congress Party. As Prime Minister, he responded with great style and substance to the criticisms of the opposition. His career was mostly spent on the opposition benches, but he never bore any bitterness towards anyone, even when the Congress later went to the extent of calling him a traitor!
He was not one to cling to power opportunistically. He chose to resign in 1996 rather than follow the path of horse-trading and dirty politics. In 1999, his government was defeated by 1 vote. Many told him to challenge the unethical politics going on at the time, but he chose to follow the rules. Finally, he returned with yet another resounding mandate from the people.
When it comes to commitment to protect our Constitution, Atalji stands at the fore. He is Dr. Shyama Prasad was deeply moved by Mukherjee's martyrdom. Years later, he was a pillar of the anti-crisis movement. In the 1977 elections after the Emergency, he agreed to merge his party (Jana Sangh) with the Janata Party. I'm sure it must have been a painful decision for him and others, but protecting the Constitution was what mattered to him.
It is also worth mentioning how deeply Atalji was active in Indian culture. After becoming India's External Affairs Minister, he became the first Indian leader to speak in Hindi at the United Nations. This one gesture showed his immense pride for India's heritage and identity, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.
Atalji's personality was magnetic and his life was enriched by his love for literature and expression. As a prolific writer and poet, he used words to inspire, convey ideas and even comfort. His poetry, which often reflects his inner struggles and hopes for the nation, resonates with people of all age groups.
It is the good fortune of many Bharatiya Janata Party workers like me that we got the opportunity to learn from and interact with someone like Atalji. His contribution to BJP was substantial. Leading an alternative narrative to end Congress dominance in those days shows his greatness.
Shri Lakrishna Advaniji and Dr. Along with stalwarts like Murali Manohar Joshiji, he nurtured the party in its early years, guiding it through challenges, setbacks and triumphs. Whenever there was a choice between ideology and power, he always chose ideology. He was able to convince the nation that an alternative worldview to Congress was possible and that such a worldview could yield results.
On his 100th birth anniversary, let us rededicate ourselves to realizing his ideals and fulfilling his vision for India. Let us strive to build an India that embodies his ideals of good governance, unity and progress. Atalji's unwavering faith in our nation's potential inspires us to aim higher and work harder.
