Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying heartfelt tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Thursday, marking the revered leader's 101st birth anniversary. The solemn ceremony took place at the 'Sadaiv Atal' memorial in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister honoured the legacy of one of India's most respected statesmen and a recipient of the Bharat Ratna.
A Legacy of Dignity and National Service
In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi reflected on the enduring inspiration drawn from Vajpayee's life. He emphasised that the birth anniversary of the esteemed leader is a special occasion for all citizens to seek guidance from his exemplary conduct. The Prime Minister highlighted Vajpayee's unwavering dignity, ideological steadfastness, and his paramount commitment to placing the nation's interest above all else, calling it an ideal standard for Indian politics.
"Through his life, he demonstrated that excellence is established not by position, but by conduct, and it is that which guides society," Prime Minister Modi wrote, encapsulating the core philosophy of the former PM's illustrious career.
Nationwide Homage on Good Governance Day
The day, observed nationwide as Good Governance Day, saw a stream of dignitaries paying their respects at the memorial. Among those who offered floral tributes were President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
The ceremony was also attended by Union Minister JP Nadda, BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, alongside other prominent figures. The collective homage underscored the cross-party respect and admiration for Vajpayee's contributions to the nation.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a founding member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), served as India's Prime Minister three times. His terms included a brief stint in 1996 and a full tenure from 1998 to 2004. Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, he passed away on August 16, 2018, at the age of 93. His birthday was officially declared Good Governance Day to honour his lifelong dedication to principled leadership and public service.
PM Modi to Inaugurate Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow
Later on Thursday, Prime Minister Modi was scheduled to travel to Lucknow for a significant event connected to the legacy of nation-builders. He is set to inaugurate the newly constructed Rashtra Prerna Sthal (National Inspiration Ground) and address a public gathering there.
This expansive memorial, developed over 65 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 230 crore, is dedicated to honouring the towering figures of independent India. It specifically commemorates the contributions of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
A central feature of the memorial is the installation of imposing 65-foot-high bronze statues of these leaders. The site also boasts a state-of-the-art, lotus-shaped museum covering nearly 98,000 square feet. This museum is designed to showcase India's national journey and the visionary contributions of these stalwarts, serving as an educational and inspirational hub for generations to come.
The day's events, spanning from New Delhi to Lucknow, powerfully reinforced the continuing relevance of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's ideals—governance with integrity, political conduct with dignity, and an unwavering focus on the nation's progress.
