PM Modi Pays Tribute To Atal Bihari Vajpayee On 100th Birth Anniversary, Celebrates His Vision For A Stronger, Unified India Photo: | File PM Modi Pays Tribute To Atal Bihari Vajpayee On 100th Birth Anniversary, Celebrates His Vision For A Stronger, Unified India Photo: | File Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late leader.
He lauded his contributions to Indian democracy, governance and the nation's progress. Calling Vajpayee a “statesman who continues to inspire", PM Modi remembered the former PM’s leadership, vision and unwavering commitment to India.
Emphasising Vajpayee’s role in shaping modern India, Modi writes, “Atal ji stands tall as a statesman who continues to inspire countless people." "Our nation will always be grateful to Atal ji for being the architect of India’s transition into the 21st century.”
Under Vajpayee’s leadership, the prime minister says, India moved from political instability to a period of stability and governance reforms. When Vajpayee assumed office in 1998, according to Modi, India was reeling from frequent elections and a lack of government continuity.
"It was Vajpayee who brought about stable leadership and gave hope to the country’s people," claims Modi.
He says that Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s legacy left a lasting impact across various sectors. “His era marked a gigantic leap in information technology, telecom, and communications,” the prime minister states. He particularly highlighted the “Golden Quadrilateral Project", a nationwide infrastructure initiative that connected India’s major cities and is often hailed as one of Vajpayee’s crowning achievements.
jili 178 how to cash inModi also praised Vajpayee’s efforts to connect rural India through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna and his push for metro connectivity that was exemplified by the development of the Delhi Metro.
Modi says Vajpayee’s "bold leadership" stood out during national crises. He recalls the 1998 nuclear tests at Pokhran. "In May 1998, his government conducted Operation Shakti, showcasing India’s scientific prowess and standing firm despite international pressure and sanctions," Modi says, adding, "Any ordinary leader would have buckled, but Atal ji was made differently."
This episode, Modi says, symbolised Vajpayee’s "unwavering commitment" to India’s sovereignty and national pride.
The prime minister also underscored Vajpayee's political acumen and his role in strengthening Indian democracy. He acknowledges the former PM’s ability to unite diverse political groups for national development.
"Atal ji presided over the creation of the NDA (National Democratic Alliance), which redefined coalitions in Indian politics," says Modi. He says Vajpayee was known for his parliamentary brilliance. He led the Opposition with grace and turned criticism into constructive dialogue.
Modi shared a personal insight into Vajpayee’s integrity and remembered moments where the former prime minister chose ideology over power.
"In 1996, he resigned rather than indulge in political horse-trading, and in 1999, even when his government was defeated by a single vote, he adhered to democratic principles," he states.
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Vajpayee’s commitment to the Constitution, Modi says, was also remarkable. He highlights Vajpayee’s role in safeguarding the Constitution, recalling his participation in the anti-Emergency movement and the merging of his party, Jana Sangh, into the Janata Party in the 1970s "to protect democratic values".
Modi further notes Vajpayee’s pride in Indian culture. He recalls the ex-PM's historic speech in Hindi at the United Nations.
"Atal ji was deeply rooted in Indian culture. His first speech at the UN in Hindi left an indelible mark on the global stage," says Modi.
Modi called on the nation to continue Vajpayee’s work and strive to build an India based on his values of unity, good governance and progress. "On his 100th jayantiye7, let us rededicate ourselves to realizing his ideals and fulfilling his vision for India. Let us strive to build an India that embodies his principles," Modi appeals.
