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Atal Ji… this name, whenever heard or spoken, leaves a deep impression on every heart. His personality was such that by his deeds he rose higher than the positions he held. As a poet, he wrote fearlessly; as a journalist, he always wrote for national interest; as an RSS Pracharak, he remained dedicated to society; as a statesman, he devoted himself entirely to the nation. And when the moment came to relinquish power, refusing to indulge in manipulative politics, he renounced it without a second thought. Atal Ji was indeed Atal Ji—steadfast, unwavering, eternal.
I consider it my privilege that I had the opportunity to be part of many programmes with Atal Ji. Whenever, I recall those memories, his words still echo in my ears:
“Sanjay, always remain a worker in the organization. It is on the strength of workers that the organization stands. Always remember, public service is our foremost duty.”
These lines of Atal Ji are not only for me, but for every section of society, for every worker—timeless and steadfast like his own life. What he preached, he himself lived.
Many of my memories are linked with Atal Ji, and it often felt as though he was no ordinary man but a divine soul, fulfilling numerous responsibilities, always standing with the workers and uplifting their morale.
I recall the year 1980, when Atal Ji came on a tour of South Chhotanagpur. He first bowed his head at the Gurudwara at Piska Mor, Ranchi, and then began his journey.
When the moment came to relinquish power, refusing to indulge in manipulative politics, he renounced it without a second thought. Atal Ji was indeed Atal Ji—steadfast, unwavering, eternal
I accompanied him on that trip. On the way to Gumla, he stopped the car near a thatched hut, walked straight inside, addressed the woman of the house as ‘Maa’, introduced himself, and requested some food. The women there served him roti, bhujia, onion, and green chilli. This incident is etched in memory as a reflection of how deeply he connected with ordinary people.
In 1981, during the national convention of BJP Yuva Morcha at Prayagraj, we had all gone there. After returning to Ranchi, I read in Ranchi Express that Atal Ji was in the city with a Parliamentary Committee. I rushed to meet him at the Circuit House near Jail Mor (now Shri Arjun Munda ji’s residence). He was with Shri Balbir Dutt, then editor of Ranchi Express, and former MLA Shri Nani Gopal Mitra. I requested him to hold a public meeting in Ranchi. Atal Ji smiled and said, “How can we hold a meeting at such short notice? Tomorrow I have to leave for Howrah.” I insisted once more, telling him that Ranchi’s people wanted to hear him. With his characteristic smile, he agreed.
Next day at 3:00 p.m., a meeting was held at Bari Park Ground (now the Municipal Corporation office), even though his train was scheduled at 8:00 p.m. for Howrah. I personally booked an auto and went around for publicity. At exactly 3:00 p.m., the meeting began. Despite such little preparation, a massive crowd had gathered. Atal Ji had just delivered half his speech when a heavy downpour began. I held an umbrella over him, but he pushed it away and said in his own style:
“As long as you drench, I too will drench.
As long as you listen, I too will keep speaking.”
Those words multiplied the enthusiasm of the drenched crowd. People clapped, and AtalJi continued his speech in the pouring rain. After the meeting, he changed his clothes at the nearby Deputy Commissioner’s office and left for Howrah.
Atal Ji’s colossal personality was not just of an individual—it was a living book. His life offers us lessons and inspiration in every field, showing us the way forward
In 1983, once again, I had the good fortune of being with him. The party had set a target of Rs. 1,21,000 for Ranchi as part of the cooperation fund. Shri Arif Karim was the BJP President of Ranchi, and Shri Rajendra Agrawal the Treasurer. The deadline approached, but the amount could not be collected. Rajendra Agrawal Ji sold his new Ambassador car to meet the target. On that very day, we organized another meeting with Atal Ji. After speaking for nearly an hour, he suddenly stopped and, with his characteristic wit, said: “I have spoken only as much as the ration you gave me. Now that you give more, I will speak again.” He then resumed his speech, and we handed over the collected amount to him.
On another occasion, while traveling from Ranchi towards Lohardaga, Gumla, and Simdega, Atal Ji halted midway and began walking on foot. Shri Kariya Munda tried to dissuade him, saying that funds were being carried in the car, and walking wasn’t safe. Atal Ji replied, “No problem, we shall walk.” For nearly half an hour, he walked along the road, and by night they reached Basiya. Shri Lalit Oraon suggested a meeting, and though the area was remote with no facilities, word spread quickly. By 9:00 p.m., nearly 500–600 villagers had gathered, and a meeting was held. Such was Atal Ji’s charisma—wherever he went, people would connect with him instantly.
In 1996, Atal Ji inaugurated the first floor of Seva Sadan Hospital. After the ceremony, he addressed the gathering, saying: “I cannot give you the blessing that this hospital flourishes with patients, but I do expect you to serve with compassion, so that everyone remains healthy. This is my expectation from you.”
To sum up, Atal Ji’s colossal personality was not just of an individual—it was a living book. His life offers us lessons and inspiration in every field, showing us the way forward.
My humble appeal to all citizens and party workers is this: whenever despair clouds your life, read Atal Ji’s poems, listen to his speeches. His immortal poems and speeches have become guiding documents. They will continue to inspire us in service of society and nation.
With folded hands, I bow a hundred times to the Yug Purush—Atal Ji.
(The writer is Minister of State for Defence, Government of India)