PM remembers Atal Vajpayee on 100th birth anniversary: Stands tall as statesman

On the occasion of Good Governance Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 100th birth anniversary, hailing him as the architect of India’s transition into the 21st century.

The tribute included a detailed article by the Prime Minister reflecting on Vajpayee’s political journey, his transformative leadership, and his indelible contributions to India’s development. Taking to X, PM Modi expressed his respect for the late leader, calling him a guiding force for India’s progress.

“Respectful tributes to former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji on his 100th birth anniversary. He dedicated his life to building a strong, prosperous, and self-reliant India. His vision and mission will continue to give strength to the resolve for a developed India,” he wrote.

In a separate post, the Prime Minister praised Vajpayee’s leadership during a period of political instability in 1998 when he took office as Prime Minister.

“When he took oath as PM in 1998 our nation had passed through a period of political instability. 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.”

PM Modi highlighted Vajpayee’s foresight and governance, which ushered in stability and efficiency at a time when the nation had endured multiple elections and uncertainty.

Vajpayee’s tenure marked a turning point for India’s infrastructure and technological advancement, the PM noted. Initiatives like the Golden Quadrilateral project, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and the groundwork for the Delhi Metro were milestones that brought India closer while boosting economic growth.

PM Modi credited Vajpayee’s government for making technology accessible to ordinary citizens, paving the way for the IT and telecom revolution in the country. Reflecting on Vajpayee’s historic contributions to national security, PM Modi recalled the nuclear tests conducted in Pokhran in 1998 under his leadership.

Despite facing international sanctions, Vajpayee stood firm, asserting India’s right to safeguard its sovereignty while promoting peace on the global stage. He also emphasised Vajpayee’s unparalleled role in strengthening Indian democracy, both as a leader of the Opposition and as the head of the first NDA government.

“His Parliamentary brilliance was seen throughout his political journey. He belonged to a party with a handful of MPs, but his words were enough to rattle the might of the all-powerful Congress party at that time.” He hailed Vajpayee’s ability to bring diverse parties together under the NDA umbrella, redefining coalition politics and focusing on development and national progress.

Vajpayee’s commitment to the Constitution and his deep pride in India’s culture were evident throughout his career, he said. PM Modi highlighted how Vajpayee, as India’s External Affairs Minister, became the first Indian leader to address the United Nations in Hindi, symbolising his pride in the nation’s heritage.

The Prime Minister also reflected on Vajpayee’s literary genius, calling him a prolific poet and writer whose words continue to inspire millions. Modi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have learnt from Vajpayee and praised his role in nurturing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during its formative years.

“Atal Ji’s life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to India’s progress. His legacy continues to inspire countless people, and his vision remains a guiding light for our nation,” he said.