Today 25th December is a special day for all of us. Our nation celebrates the 100th birth anniversary of our beloved former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. He stands tall as a statesman who continues to inspire countless people. Our nation will forever be grateful to Atal Ji for the architecture of India’s transition into the 21st century. When he took the oath of Prime Minister in 1998, our country was going through a period of political instability. In about 9 years we have seen 4 Lok Sabha elections. The people of India were impatient and skeptical that governments would be able to deliver. Atal Ji turned this tide by providing stable and effective governance. Coming from humble roots, he realized the struggle of common citizens and the transformative power of effective governance.
The long lasting impact of Atal Ji’s leadership can be seen in many areas around us. His era saw great strides in the world of information technology, telecommunications and communication. This was especially important for a nation like ours, which is also blessed with a very dynamic youth force. The NDA government led by Atalji made the first serious attempt to make technology accessible to common citizens. At the same time, he had the foresight to connect India. Even today, most people remember the Golden Quadrilateral project, which connected the length and breadth of India. Equally notable were the Vajpayee government’s efforts to enhance local connectivity through initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Similarly, his government emphasized metro connectivity by undertaking extensive work on the Delhi Metro, which stands as a world-class infrastructure project. Thus, the Vajpayee government not only brought economic growth, but also brought distant regions closer together, promoting unity and integration.
When it comes to the social sector, initiatives like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan highlight how Atal ji envisioned an India where modern education was accessible to people across the country, especially the poor and marginalized sections. At the same time, his government presided over several economic reforms that set the stage for India’s economic growth after several decades of following an economic philosophy that encouraged cronyism and stagnation.
A wonderful example of Vajpayee’s leadership can be seen in the summer of 1998. His government had just taken office and on 11 May India conducted the Pokhran test, known as Operation Shakti. These tests exemplified the prowess of India’s scientific community. The world was shocked to see India test it and expressed its anger in no uncertain terms. Any ordinary leader would do nonsense, but Atal Ji was made different. And what happened? Two days later, on May 13, India stood firm and firm as the government called for another set of tests! If the 11th exam showed scientific skills, the 13th exam showed real leadership. It was a message to the world that the days of India bowing down to threats or pressure are over. Even in the face of international sanctions, the then NDA government of Vajpayee ji stood firm, asserting India’s right to protect its sovereignty while being the strongest advocate of world peace.
Atal ji understood Indian democracy and the need to strengthen it. Atalji presided over the formation of the NDA, which redefined alliances in Indian politics. He brought people together and made NDA a force for development, national progress and regional ambitions. His parliamentary talent was evident in his political journey. He belonged to a party with a handful of MPs but his words alone were enough to shake the power of the then all-powerful Congress party. As Prime Minister, he blunted the opposition’s criticism with style and poignancy. His career was largely spent on the opposition benches but bore no trace of bitterness against anyone, though the Congress stooped to a new low to the extent of calling him a traitor!
He would not cling to power through opportunistic means. He preferred 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 asked him to challenge the immoral politics going on at that time, but he preferred to follow the rules. Finally, he returned with another great mandate from the people.
When it comes to commitment to protect our Constitution, Atal Ji stands tall. Dr. The martyrdom of Shyamaprasad Mukherjee had a profound effect on him. Years later, he was a pillar of the anti-Emergency movement. In the post-Emergency elections of 1977, he agreed to merge his own party (Jana Sangh) with the Janata Party. I’m sure it would have been a painful decision for him and others, but protecting the Constitution was important to him. It is also remarkable how deeply rooted Atal ji was in Indian culture. After becoming India’s foreign minister, he became the first Indian leader to speak in Hindi at the United Nations. This one gesture demonstrated his immense pride in India’s heritage and identity, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.
Atal Ji’s personality was magnetic and his life was enriched by his love for literature and expression. A prolific writer and poet, he used words to inspire, provoke thought, and provide solace. His poetry, often reflecting his inner struggles and hopes for the nation, continues to resonate with people across the ages. For many Bharatiya Janata Party workers like me, it is our good fortune that we were able to learn and interact with someone like Atal Ji. His contribution to BJP was fundamental. At that time, his greatness was seen in leading an alternative story to the ruling Congress. Shri LK Advani and Dr. Along with stalwarts like Murali Manohar Joshi Ji, he nurtured the party from its inception, guiding it through challenges, failures and triumphs. Whenever the choice came between ideology and power, he always chose the former. Congress was able to convince the nation that an alternative worldview was possible and that such a worldview could deliver.
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 principles of good governance, unity and progress. Atal Ji’s unwavering faith in our nation’s potential continues to inspire us to aim higher and work harder.