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Special on the Birth Centenary Year of Atalji
Continuing from the previous issue…
Passing the Torch and Actualizing Vajpayee Ji’s Vision: Narendra Modi and the roadmap to Vikshit Bharat 2047
In 2014 after almost a decade of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji’s government, Narendra Modi ji became the Prime Minister. With his remarkable foresight and dynamism, he started where Atal ji left off. He not only imbibed the foundational ideals laid down by Vajpayee ji but also elevated them to new heights, ensuring that the vision of our respected and admired leader are not only remembered but vigorously realized in modern India.
With the advent of the Narendra Modi government the metaphorical ‘torch’ of nation building was passed from one visionary to another, and now the torch burns even brighter illuminating a path of progress and inclusion. Leadership of Modi ji represents a very powerful continuity, building upon Vajpayee ji’s blueprint with scale, speed and better technological integration
A Quantum Leap in Infrastructure and Connectivity
Taking Vajpayee Ji’s Vision for infrastructure development and modernization forward, Modi ji has propelled it into a new era with an unprecedented scale and ambition. For instance, The Bharatmala Pariyojana is a direct and expansive evolution of the Golden Quadrilateral which aims to develop over 83,000 KM of roads which includes economic corridors, inter-corridor and many feeder routes. It
With the advent of the Narendra Modi government the metaphorical ‘torch’ of nation building was passed from one visionary to another, and now the torch burns even brighter illuminating a path of progress and inclusion
also envisions to improve national corridors efficiency, border and international connectivity of roads, ports and coastal connectivity roads and many greenfield expressways.
Similarly, the Sagarmala Programme envisions modernizing ports and improving port-led industrialization and community development in coastal areas; it is bound to transform India’s waterway and coastline. This is a natural extension of Vajpayee ji’s understanding of economic arteries
Beyond ports and roads, the current regime has aggressively pursued the expansion of dedicated freight corridors, high speed rail network and a significant boost in airport capacity as well as construction of newer airports. All contributing to a seamless, integrated national transportation grid.
Modi ji’s government has also placed a significant emphasis on Digital Infrastructure which echoes Vajpayee ji’s push for modernization. Initiatives such as Digital India are connecting people and touching their lives as never before. But these initiatives are not only about connecting people they seek to transform governance while empowering citizens in the modern digital economy,
The JAM (Jan Dhan Aadhaar Mobile) trinity has created a robust public infrastructure which has enabled DBT (direct benefit transfer) to beneficially curb corruption and leakages. This is a clear manifestation of Vajpayee ji’s vision of good governance and transparency.
BharatNet project which aims to connect every gram panchayat with optical fiber (high speed internet) is another example of the commitment of Modi ji’s government in bridging the digital divide. Thus, ensuring that the benefits of modern India is within the reach of even the most remotest village.
Empowering the Marginalized: Antyodaya in Action
Vajpayee Ji’s work for Antyodaya (the upliftment of the last person) has been the primary principle carried forward vigorously by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji. With over 50 crore beneficiaries, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) stands as the world’s largest government-funded healthcare program. This scheme addresses the healthcare needs of the marginalised and the most vulnerable by extending and ensuring access to quality and inclusive medical treatment.
Another cornerstone has been that of financial inclusion. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has connected millions of households into the formal financial system and provided them with bank accounts, debit cards and access to credit and insurance. This initiative as well as MUDRA loans for small entrepreneurs and the direct benefit transfers have been fundamental to inclusive growth by empowering individuals to self-sufficiency and participate actively in the economy.
Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana provided free LPG connections to rural women and the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aimed to achieve universal sanitation have directly improved the living standards and dignity of the marginalized. This demonstrates a holistic approach to their empowerment as well.
National Security
Prime Minister Modi has shown assertive diplomacy and advanced India’s stature on the global stage which is quite reminiscent of Vajpayee Ji’s principled foreign policy. Initiatives like “Act East” and “Neighbourhood First” have remarkably strengthened India’s strategic partnerships and global influence marking Modi Ji’s active and proactive foreign policies. The major focus on strengthening defence capabilities, modernization of armed forces and decisive action upon any threats to national security namely the surgical strikes and Balakot airstrikes and Operation Sindoor,to name just a few, reflects his truly resolute commitment to protect India’s interests. The abrogation of Article 370, a long-standing aspiration of the party, gave way to Prime Minister Modi Ji’s firm stances on national security and strategic autonomy.
These determined steps echo the principles and firm stances of Vajpayee Ji on the
Vajpayee Ji’s work for Antyodaya (the upliftment of the last person) has been the primary principle carried forward vigorously by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji
strategic policies, nation’s integrity and the dream of a unified India.
Resilience in Crisis and Good Governance
The government’s swift and comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic exemplified a legacy of good governance and people-centric policies. From the rapid development and deployment of indigenous vaccines to the massive vaccination drive, and from providing free food grains to 80 crore people to economic relief packages, the administration demonstrated remarkable resilience and a deep commitment to public welfare. The continued emphasis on digital reforms, such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) revolutionizing digital transactions and the CoWIN platform for vaccination management, showcases the government’s ability to leverage technology for efficient and transparent governance, a direct continuation of Vajpayee Ji’s vision for a modern and effective state.
Living the Ideals: Reflections from My Parliamentary Role
Having had the distinct privilege of working closely with Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji and now serving under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, it is profoundly evident that our party remains firmly anchored in its core principles. The evolution of policies and the approach to governance have adapted to meet contemporary needs, yet without ever losing sight of the deep-seated roots of our ideology and the vision of our founding leaders.
In my role as a Member of Parliament, I see every day how the spirit of Vajpayee Ji’s vision permeates the current administration’s actions. The emphasis on policy formulation with compassion is palpable. Whether it is in the debates surrounding healthcare reforms, educational policies, or social welfare schemes, there is a consistent underlying current of ensuring that the benefits reach the most vulnerable. This isn’t just about statistics; it’s about the human element, a lesson I learned directly from Vajpayee Ji’s empathetic approach to governance.
The unwavering commitment to national integrity is another principle that has been carried forward with renewed vigor. From legislative measures aimed at strengthening national security to diplomatic efforts that assert India’s sovereignty on the global stage, every action is guided by a resolute determination to protect and uphold the unity of our diverse nation. This echoes Vajpayee Ji’s firm stand on national pride and his strategic resolve.
Furthermore, the balance between steadfast secularism and nationalism continues to be a defining characteristic. The party’s vision of nationalism is inherently inclusive, celebrating India’s rich cultural tapestry while fostering a collective identity rooted in shared national aspirations. This is a nuanced approach, one that Vajpayee Ji championed through his emphasis on harmony and consensus, and which Modi Ji continues to articulate as a commitment to “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Great India).
Our progress on transformative initiatives such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which streamlined India’s indirect tax structure, the exponential growth in infrastructure development across all sectors, the expansion of social welfare programs reaching unprecedented numbers of beneficiaries, and the rapid strides in digital empowerment through various technological interventions – all these are not merely isolated achievements. They are, in essence, the tangible manifestations of
The passing of the mantle, from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji’s sagacious vision toward Modiji’s resolute actualization towards a ‘Vikshit Bharat by 2047’, represents a seamless and powerful continuum in unfolding India’s Developmental story.
Vajpayee Ji’s visionary roadmaps, meticulously planned and vigorously implemented to become a reality under the devoted stewardship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji. I am proud to contribute to this ongoing narrative, witnessing how the seeds sown decades ago are now blossoming into a vibrant, modern India.
The Promise Continues
As a Member of Parliament from the BJP, I have been privileged to be able to witness both the profound legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji and the dynamic and transformative leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. As Modi ji has said “We walk together, we move together, we think together, we resolve together, and together we take this country forward.” I feel immense pride and gratitude of being an integral part of this ongoing transformative process of Nation Building.
The passing of the mantle, from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji’s sagacious vision toward Modiji’s resolute actualization towards a ‘Vikshit Bharat by 2047’, represents a seamless and powerful continuum in unfolding India’s Developmental story.
Today, India stands tall on the global stage as the fifth largest economy, moving steadily towards becoming the fourth largest. India has showcased itself as the nation that is deeply inclusive in its ethos and development agenda, progressively modernizing and remarkably united in its aspirations imbibing the vision of “unity in diversity”. This vibrance is the living testament that Vajpayee ji’s dreams of a strong, prosperous and harmonious Bharat not only endures but is also actively thriving under the stewardship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi whose dedication and vision for India has been transformative.
The foundations which were laid by Vajpayee ji have now been built upon by Modi ji, which is creating an edifice of progress that promises a better and brighter future for all Indians. We the people together, as a nation, will continue to work towards the goal of realizing the grand vision of a strong and harmonious Bharat. A vision which befits our rich past while boldly embracing the limitless possibilities that future brings.
(The Writer is National President – BJP OBC Morcha & MP, Rajya Sabha)