‘Atal Ji stands tall as a statesman, inspiring millions’: PM Modi pays heartfelt tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth centenary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated the birth centenary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee by paying a heartfelt tribute, emphasizing his enduring legacy as a statesman and a guiding force in India’s development.

In an eloquent note, PM Modi wrote, “Atal Ji stands tall as a statesman and continues to inspire countless people.”

Reflecting on Vajpayee's tenure, the Prime Minister remarked on his pivotal role in steering India through a phase of political instability. “Our nation will always be grateful to Atal Ji for being the architect of India’s transition into the 21st century. When he took oath as PM in 1998, our nation had passed through a period of political instability. In about nine years, we had seen four Lok Sabha elections. It was Atal Ji who turned this tide by providing stable and effective governance,” PM Modi wrote, lauding Vajpayee’s ability to restore faith in government systems.

PM Modi highlighted Vajpayee's achievements, particularly in the Information Technology and infrastructure sectors. “The Vajpayee era marked a gigantic leap for the IT, telecom, and communications sectors. The Golden Quadrilateral Project and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana connected India like never before. His foresight in metro connectivity was evident through initiatives like the Delhi Metro, which stands out as a world-class project even today,” the Prime Minister stated.

The social sector also saw transformative initiatives under Vajpayee’s leadership. Modi pointed to programmes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, which aimed to make education accessible to marginalized communities, and economic reforms that positioned India for significant growth.

One of the defining moments of Vajpayee’s leadership was the Pokhran nuclear tests in 1998. Modi described it as a testament to Vajpayee’s resolve. “Any ordinary leader would have buckled under the world’s pressure. But Atal Ji stood firm, conducting a second set of tests to assert India’s sovereignty,” he wrote, praising Vajpayee’s courage and foresight.

PM Modi also underscored Vajpayee's efforts to strengthen Indian democracy, including his role in the formation of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). “He presided over the creation of the NDA, redefining coalition politics in India. His Parliamentary brilliance and ability to bring people together made him a force to reckon with, even when he was in the Opposition.”

Remembering Vajpayee’s commitment to constitutional values, PM Modi recounted his leadership during challenging times. “Atal Ji preferred to resign in 1996 rather than indulge in horse-trading. His adherence to democratic principles and his willingness to merge Jan Sangh with the Janata Party during the Emergency exemplified his dedication to safeguarding the Constitution,” Modi wrote.

The Prime Minister also celebrated Vajpayee’s cultural and literary contributions. “He was the first Indian leader to address the United Nations in Hindi, showcasing his immense pride in India’s heritage. A prolific poet, his words continue to inspire and resonate,” he added.

Acknowledging Vajpayee’s foundational role in shaping the BJP, Modi said, “For so many BJP Karyakartas like me, it was a privilege to learn from Atal Ji. He nurtured the party from its formative years, choosing ideology over power and proving that an alternative worldview to the Congress was possible.”

As a closing note, PM Modi urged the nation to uphold Vajpayee’s vision and principles. “On his 100th Jayanti, let us rededicate ourselves to his ideals and strive to build an India that embodies his principles of good governance, unity, and progress. Atal Ji’s unwavering belief in India’s potential inspires us to aim higher and work harder,” he wrote, encapsulating the former Prime Minister’s profound legacy.