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Special on the Birth Centenary Year of Atalji
Leadership, if understood in essence, is not defined by the power it wields but by the legacy it bequeaths. A true leader is the one whose actions leave behind a legacy that encourages others to dream bigger, learn further, achieve more and grow into better well rounded individuals, who work not only for themselves but also for society at large. India has produced many such great leaders but Atal Bihari Vajpayee stands apart as someone who is the epitome of this ideal. He was often referred to as ‘Ajat Shatru- one with no enemies.
His ideas of politics, governance and inclusive development have inspired millions if not more in my generation. As a proud member of Parliament and a dedicated member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for Four decades, Atal ji’s Ideas have inspired me deeply and his transformative leadership has been a guiding light. His ideas of inclusivity are now imbibed in the motto of PM Narendra Modi ji’s government ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’.
Vajpayee ji’s transformative ideas and his style of leadership has been an influence on me since I was a young activist working with Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and started my political activism at Osmania University in the 1970s.
After which when I joined the BJP in the 1980s and started working on grassroots as well as collaborating on national issues, Vajpayee ji ideals profoundly shaped my
A true leader is the one whose actions leave behind a legacy that encourages others to dream bigger, learn further, achieve more and grow into better well rounded individuals, who work not only for themselves but also for society at large
own value system and furthered my actions. He has been a mentor not just for me but many others among my ranks.
I have had the unique privilege of working closely not only with Vajpayee ji but also under the visionary and transformative leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has profoundly built on Atal ji’s ideas. This essay is more of a tribute to these towering personalities; it is my heartfelt testament which tries to capture my personal interactions, my learnings and reflections on how Atal ji’s ideas that inspired a generation are now coming to fruition under the leadership of Modi ji, who has reinvigorated and expanded that vision into the ‘NEW INDIA’.
Ideas and Legacy of Vajpayee
Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji was not just a leader of a party or the Prime Minister of a nation, he was a statesman whose very being radiated a blend of intellectual depth, poetic sensibility and an unwavering commitment to the Indian Ethos.
Many of Atal ji’s speeches delivered in his own quintessential shayarana andaaz (poetic manner) with unparalleled eloquence are still listened to this day even among the young generations making them a form of legends. One of those speeches where a vote of no-confidence was issued against his government he says “Sarkare to ayengi jayengi, yeh desh rehna chahiye”(Government will come and go, this nation is what should remain and endure) shows his determination on putting nation first
A reflection of this determination can be seen in India’s current external policy, which Modi ji calls as the “India first” policy.
Atal ji’s speeches also underscored his genuine care for the common people of the nation, he was someone whose vision was rooted in empathy and understanding rather than sympathy. He was a democrat who believed in dialogue, consensus building and had a steadfast commitment to the democratic values that Bharat was built upon.
Vajpayee ji’s Vision: Ideas that lit the path
Atal ji’s vision for the nation was far more comprehensive and far-reaching, it encompasses several key pillars that still continues to define India’s Developmental trajectory, these include:
Inclusive Development: ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishvas’
Modi ji slogan of Sabka saath, sabka vikas (Coming together, for everyone’s growth and development), is inspired by Vajpayee ji’s vision of Inclusive development, who championed the progress where no one is left behind. Vajpayee ji didn’t think of inclusive development just as an economic strategy for growth but rather as a moral imperative of the leaders in power.
He firmly believed that the benefits of growth and development MUST reach every citizen, especially those who are socio-economically marginalized by their circumstances of birth based on caste, class or anything else.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee truly embodied Deen Dayal Upadhyay principle of ‘Antyodaya,’ which means upliftment of the last person. As a Prime Minister, Atal ji put these ideas into action by launching several initiatives such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. He recognised that education was the most effective tool for the empowerment of the marginalized communities and for breaking the cycle of poverty. Therefore this was a monumental effort to universalize elementary education.
Atal ji understood that national progress could only be achieved when no one was left behind and therefore he also laid down the groundwork for rural development schemes which sought to improve the lives of many who were living in remote villages and cut off from the fruits of progress. His approach was not about handouts, but about creating opportunities and building capabilities for self-reliance. As self respect can only come from self-reliance.
Atal ji’s vision for the nation was far more comprehensive and far-reaching, it encompasses several key pillars that still continues to define India’s Developmental trajectory
Paving the way of progress through modernization of Infrastructure
Vajpayee ji’s astute understanding of the crucial role that robust infrastructure plays in driving industrial and economic growth through national integration led him to initiate several infrastructure building projects. Most iconic of which would be the Golden Quadrilateral project which envisioned joining four of India’s most developed metro cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, with a network of world-class highways across the length and breadth of the country.
This project was not just about building roads or a highway but rather about creating economic corridors, reducing travel time which will facilitate trade and foster regional development. I remember the excitement and skepticism surrounding the project initially, given its sheer scale. But Vajpayee Ji’s resolve was unwavering. He saw it as a foundational step towards transforming India into a modern economic powerhouse.
Apart from the Golden Quadrilateral, recognising that connecting villages to markets and services was very crucial for rural prosperity, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna was started by Atal ji’s government. Significant advancements were also made in the telecommunication sector during this time, which laid down the groundwork for the digital revolution that would follow. India is now, under Prime Minister Modi’s government term, one of the countries with the cheapest internet and network charges in the world.
Self- Reliance in Nuclear Power
Asserting sovereignty and resolve has been one of the Key hallmarks of the Indian Republic. Nowhere its importance was more underscored than in Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji government time during the Pokhran II nuclear tests back in 1998. This was perhaps one of the most defining decisions of Vajpayee ji’s career which highlighted his visionary leadership and resolve toward self-reliance.
The bold decision to do the Pokhran II test dubbed popularly as Mission Shakti was taken in face of immense international pressure of economic sanctions and boycott from a superpower like the United States. For Atal ji, the sovereignty of India is not something that can be compromised with. He asserted his position powerfully on the global stage and dealt with the fallout with remarkable composure and diplomatic finesse.
He reiterated India’s firm policy of ‘No First Use’ when it comes to nuclear weapons while also unequivocally establishing its strategic autonomy. This was one of the moments that filled the heart of every Indian nationalist with immense national pride and signaled the world that India was a nation that would stand firm on its principle, now and always, even when challenged.
Policy of Good Governance: People Centric Development
Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji and his government had an absolute commitment towards good governance. Atal ji believed in the principles of transparency, accountability and stability of Democratic institutions. He navigated political challenges while leading a complex coalition government with a focus on consensus building and maintaining a stable administration.
Atal ji focused on people-centric policies, making sure government programs directly benefitted citizens who they govern. His focus on governance was pragmatic and yet principled. He consistently put the nation’s welfare ahead of narrow political interest.
For Atal ji, the sovereignty of India is not something that can be compromised with. He asserted his position powerfully on the global stage and dealt with the fallout with remarkable composure and diplomatic finesse
Fostering National Unity: Advocating Harmony and Consensus
In a nation as wonderfully diverse as India, the principle of unity in diversity stands as an undeniable reality. Atal ji, with his profound foresight, consistently championed national unity and harmony, frequently elevating discourse beyond the narrow partisan lines so as to forge consensus.
His nuanced approach towards the intricate Jammu and Kashmir issue was a testament to this philosophy, beautifully encapsulated in his tripartite vision of: Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat and Kashmiriyat meaning humanity, democracy and the unique essence that is Kashmir. This guiding principle underscored his commitment to resolving complex challenges through open dialogue and genuine empathy, rather than resorting to forceful measures.
He was a leader who underscored the profound truth that Indian’s strength lay in its diversity which was intricately woven into the fabric of the nation. He firmly believed that cultivating harmony among all stakeholders and communities is not only desirable but absolutely essential for propelling the nation forwards on its path of progress. He distinguished himself as a leader with a remarkable capacity to engage constructively with the opposition, patiently heading dissenting voices, and diligently seeking common ground. In doing so, he also personified the very essence and true spirit of parliamentary democracy.
My close association with Vajpayee Ji allowed me to witness firsthand his unwavering commitment to dialogue, his profound humility in leadership, and his unshakeable belief in a strong yet compassionate India. He taught me that leadership is not about dominating, but about serving; not about commanding, but about convincing; and not about personal glory, but about collective good…
(To Be Continued)
(The Writer is National President –
BJP OBC Morcha & MP, Rajya Sabha)