Today, December 25, is a very special day for all of us. Our nation is celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of our beloved former Prime Minister, 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 being the architect 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 nine years, we have seen four Lok Sabha elections. The people of India were growing impatient and doubted that governments would be able to deliver. This 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 term impact of Atal Ji’s leadership can be seen in various 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 blessed with a dynamic youth force. The NDA government under the leadership of Atal Ji made the first serious attempt to bring technology to the citizens. At the same time, he had the foresight to connect India. Even today most people remember the Golden Quadrilateral project connecting 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 for the Delhi Metro, which has emerged as a world-class infrastructure project. 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 show how Atal ji dreamed of building an India where modern education is 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 over and on 11 May India conducted the Pokhran tests, 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 held firm as the government called for another set of tests. If the tests on May 11 showed scientific skills, the tests on May 13 showed true leadership. It was a message to the world that the days of India bowing down to threats or pressure are over. Despite facing international sanctions, the then NDA government of Vajpayee ji stood firm and asserted India’s right to protect its sovereignty while being the strongest spokesperson for world peace.
Atal ji understood Indian democracy and the need to strengthen it. Atal Ji 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 political journey showed parliamentary talent. 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 he bore no trace of bitterness against anyone, even as the Congress sank 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 one 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. He was deeply influenced by the martyrdom of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Years later, he was a pillar of the anti-Emergency movement. In the 1977 elections, he agreed to merge his own party (Jana Sangh) into 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. He showed his greatness to lead an alternative narrative to the then ruling Congress. Along with stalwarts like LK Advani ji and Murali Manohar Joshi ji, he guided the party through challenges, setbacks and triumphs right from its inception. Whenever the choice came between ideology and power, he always chose the former. He was able to convince the nation that an alternative worldview from the Congress 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 is inspiring us to aim high and work hard.
The author is the Prime Minister of India
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