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Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a remarkable confluence of honesty in personal life, decency in behavior, simplicity in nature, purity in politics, good governance in administration, and unwavering dedication to the nation. As we celebrate the birth centenary of this extraordinary leader—an inspiration to millions, a sensitive writer, a great patriot, and an ‘Ajatashatru’ (one without enemies)—his influence continues to resonate deeply in the lives of every Indian citizen
Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a remarkable confluence of honesty in personal life, decency in behavior, simplicity in nature, purity in politics, good governance in administration, and unwavering dedication to the nation. As we celebrate the birth centenary of this extraordinary leader—an inspiration to millions, a sensitive writer, a great patriot, and an ‘Ajatashatru’ (one without enemies)—his influence continues to resonate deeply in the lives of every Indian citizen. As a visionary Prime Minister, his contributions to economic development and social welfare continue to guide 21st-century India. Today, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is following his footsteps, striving to build a capable and prosperous India.
AtalJi’s legacy and contributions will forever remain immortal in the history of the nation. He was truly a gem of India, engaging in politics at the grassroots level and securing a place in the hearts of the people. His vision for India’s development is being actively carried forward by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji is recognized as a visionary statesman who re-established values and ideals in Indian politics. Whether it was instilling dedication among his supporters or earning the respect of his political opponents, he was unique in both aspects. His public life was dignified, cultured, and unblemished, which is why even his adversaries admired him. National interest was always his foremost priority. When he spoke in Parliament, even his opponents listened in silence, captivated by his logical and eloquent speeches. As a poet, he used his verses to critique social evils
AtalJi’s legacy and contributions will forever remain immortal in the history of the nation. He was truly a gem of India, engaging in politics at the grassroots level and securing a place in the hearts of the people
and inspire patriotism in younger generations.
This great leader, who journeyed from being an RSS Pracharak to becoming the Prime Minister of India, was born on 25 December 1924, in Gwalior. He completed his graduation from Victoria College (now Lakshmibai College) in Gwalior and obtained his post-graduate degree in first division from DAV College, Kanpur. He inherited his exceptional oratory and poetic talents from his father.
During his student life, he became a volunteer of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later worked as a journalist. He successfully edited nationalist newspapers and magazines like ‘Rashtradharma,’ ‘Panchjanya,’ ‘Swadesh,’ and ‘Veer Arjun’ for a significant period.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji was a founding member of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. He worked alongside nationalist leaders such as Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. His organisational skills, intellectual prowess, and eloquence helped him carve a distinct identity. He served as the National President of the Jana Sangh from 1968 to 1973.
In 1957, he entered Parliament for the first time, winning from the Balrampur Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh as a Jana Sangh candidate. From 1957 to 1977, he led the Jana Sangh Parliamentary Party. Even India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, was impressed by his powerful speeches.
Atal Ji’s personality was inclusive and amiable. In 1975, he vehemently opposed the Emergency. When the first non-Congress government was formed in 1977, he became the Foreign Minister in the Morarji Desai government. He holds the distinction of being the first Indian leader to deliver a speech in Hindi at the United Nations.
After the split of the Janata Party in 1980, Atalji, along with his colleagues, founded the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and became its first National President.
In 1996, the BJP emerged as the largest party in the Lok Sabha, and he became the Prime Minister. However, this government lasted only 13 days. Despite this setback, he remained committed to strengthening the party. In 1998, the BJP once again emerged as the largest party, and Atal Ji became Prime Minister for the second time, leading a government that lasted 13 months.
During this short tenure, he demonstrated India’s strength to the world by conducting nuclear tests. Despite sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union, Atal Ji faced these challenges with remarkable courage and determination.
In the 1999 Lok Sabha elections, held after India’s victory in the Kargil War, the BJP emerged as the largest party once again. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji formed the government by uniting 13 parties under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
During this short tenure, he demonstrated India’s strength to the world by conducting nuclear tests. Despite sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union, Atal Ji faced these challenges with remarkable courage and determination
His leadership ensured that the BJP completed a full term for the first time. During this tenure, the country witnessed unprecedented progress.
Atal Ji initiated the ambitious Golden Quadrilateral project to connect the four corners of the country—Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai—via highways, revolutionising India’s road infrastructure. Under his leadership, the nation reached new heights in economic reforms.
Atal Ji was honored with numerous prestigious awards in India and abroad. In 2015, the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, conferred upon him the Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian honour.
As we commemorate his birth centenary, I pay tribute to him by recalling his inspiring words:
देखो हम बढ़ते ही जाते
उज्ज्वलतर उज्ज्वलतम होती है
महासंगठन की ज्वाला,
प्रतिपल बढ़ती ही जाती है
चंडी के मुंडों की माला॥
यह नागपुर से लगी आग
ज्योतित भारत मां का सुहाग,
उत्तर दक्षिण पूरब पश्चिम
दिश दिश गूंजा संगठन राग॥
केशव के जीवन का पराग
अंतस्थल की अवरुद्ध आग,
भगवा ध्वज का संदेश त्याग
वन विजनकान्त नगरीय शान्त
पंजाब सिंधु संयुक्त प्रांत॥
केरल कर्नाटक और बिहार
कर पार चला संगठन राग
हिन्दु हिन्दु मिलते जाते
देखो हम बढ़ते ही जाते॥
(The writer is the BJP National General Secretary)