Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an Indian politician who served the country as Prime Minister for 6 years and 80 days. One of Mr. Vajpayee’s greatest attributes was his non-controversial personality, which helped the Bharatiya Janata Party break into new territories and form a multi-party National Democratic Alliance.
He strengthened the security of the country by implementing revolutionary welfare schemes such as nuclear testing, fast track economic growth and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, rural roads, mid-day meals and Antyodaya Anna Yojana.
His respect for the Constitution and time-tested parliamentary practices was immense. He was one of the few leaders who truly exemplified the BJP’s slogan – nation first, party next and self last. It was because of this quality that then Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao chose Opposition leader Vajpayee to lead the Indian delegation to the UN Human Rights Commission.
Truth in Indian Rigvedic Theory”Ekam Sat Vipra Vahadati Vadanti“(Our paths may be different, but our destination is the same), Vajpayee always held his political rivals in high esteem. He never sacrificed the interests of the country for his party or personal interests.
These qualities leaders of today and tomorrow should imbibe from Vajpayee. While these leaders, like Vajpayee, will pursue economic development and welfare policies with more vigor, they seem to lack the ability to bring everyone along.
For thousands of years, India has been a unique example of unity in diversity. If the country loses respect for diversity, this character of Indians will slowly die. India’s history spans thousands of years, where a decade or so doesn’t matter much. So new age politicians should try to earn a permanent place in history by becoming politicians.