Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 100th Birth Anniversary: As the nation celebrates the centenary of BJP stalwart & visionary leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned his thoughts on his monumental contributions and efforts in transforming lives. While reflecting on his incredible legacy, he paid tribute to “the statesman who shaped India with his vision and resolve.’
“Today, 25th December is a very special day for all of us. Our nation marks the 100th Jayanti of our beloved former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. He stands tall as a statesman who continues to inspire countless people,” the Prime Minister wrote.
Today, on Atal Ji’s 100th birth anniversary, penned a few thoughts on his monumental contribution to our nation and how his efforts transformed many lives.https://t.co/mFwp6s0uNX
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 25, 2024
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PM Modi recalled Vajpayee as “the architect of India’s transition into the 21st century” and remembered the time when he took oath as the PM in 1988, a period of political instability.
He said, “In about 9 years we had seen 4 Lok Sabha elections. The people of India were getting impatient and also sceptical about governments being able to deliver. It was Atal Ji who turned this tide by providing stable and effective governance. Coming from humble roots, he realised the struggles of the common citizen and the transformative power of effective governance.”
The Prime Minister further highlighted the long-term impact that Atal Ji’s leadership had in so many sectors around us. “His era marked a gigantic leap in the world of Information Technology, telecom and communications. This was particularly important for a nation like ours, which is also blessed with a very dynamic Yuva Shakti. The NDA Government under Atal Ji made the first serious attempt to make technology accessible to the common citizens. At the same time, there was foresight in connecting India. Even today, most people recall the Golden Quadrilateral Project, which connected the length and breadth of India. Equally notable were the Vajpayee Government’s efforts to enhance local connectivity as well through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Similarly, his Government gave a push to metro connectivity by doing extensive work for the Delhi Metro, which stands out as a world-class infrastructure project. Thus, the Vajpayee Government not only boosted economic growth but also brought distant regions closer, fostering unity and integration,” he added.
PM Modi went on to add an example of Vajpayee Ji’s leadership in 1998, stating, “His Government had just assumed office and on 11th May, India conducted the Pokhran tests, known as Operation Shakti. These tests exemplified the prowess of India’s scientific community. The world was stunned that India had done the tests and expressed their anger in no uncertain terms. Any ordinary leader would have buckled, but Atal Ji was made differently. And what happened? India stood firm and resolute with the government calling for another set of tests two days later, on 13th May! If the tests of the 11th showed scientific skill, the ones on 13th showed 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 Ji stood firm, articulating India’s right to safeguard its sovereignty while simultaneously being the strongest proponent of world peace.”
Reflecting on Atal Ji’s Parliamentary brilliance throughout his political journey, PM Modi said that his words were enough to rattle the might of the all-powerful Congress Party that time. “As Prime Minister, he blunted the criticisms of the Opposition with style and substance. His was a career spent largely in the Opposition benches but never carried any trace of bitterness against anyone, even though the Congress stooped to new lows by going to the extent of calling him a traitor!”
When it commitment to protecting the Constitution, Atal Ji stands tall, he added. “It is also noteworthy how deeply rooted Atal Ji was in Indian culture. Upon becoming India’s External Affairs Minister, he became the first Indian leader to speak in Hindi at the United Nations. This one gesture showcased his immense pride in India’s heritage and identity, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage,” he said.
PM Modi emotionally penned down Atal Ji’s contributions to BJP, stating, “For so many Bharatiya Janata Party Karyakartas like me, it is our privilege that we were able to learn and interact with a person like Atal Ji.”
He concluded his tribute urging the citizens to rededicate themselves and realise his ideals, fulfilling his vision for India. “Let us strive to build an India that embodies his principles of good governance, unity, and progress. Atal Ji’s unwavering belief in the potential of our nation continues to inspire us to aim higher and work harder,” he said.
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