Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje led commemorations for the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Jhalawar on Thursday. The event blended tributes to Vajpayee's political legacy with significant environmental and healthcare initiatives for the district.
Reflections on Leadership and Pokhran Tests
Addressing the gathering, Raje reflected deeply on Vajpayee's leadership qualities and his unwavering commitment to ethical politics. She recalled the late PM's advice against manipulative tactics and forming opportunistic alliances solely for gaining power.
Sharing a personal anecdote, Raje recounted her experience as a junior minister during the landmark Pokhran nuclear tests in 1998. She highlighted how Vajpayee provided crucial guidance on managing the highly sensitive situation, demonstrating his steady hand in matters of national security.
Green Tribute: Planting an 'Atal Van'
A central part of the anniversary event was a large-scale tree plantation drive. Vasundhara Raje, along with Jhalawar-Baran MP Dushyant Singh, planted 2,100 teak saplings at the site.
This plantation is a major component of a larger green project aimed at creating a memorial forest named 'Atal Van'. The ambitious initiative plans for a total of 11,000 saplings to be planted, transforming the area into a thriving green space for the community.
Healthcare Boost and Poetic Homage
Beyond environmental efforts, the day also saw the inauguration of several healthcare projects intended to enhance medical services and facilities for residents of Jhalawar district.
Raje concluded the emotional tribute by reading selected verses from Atal Bihari Vajpayee's poetry. She also outlined future development plans for the Love Kush Vatika and the expanding Atal Van, aiming to fully rejuvenate the locale into a serene and verdant memorial park.
The commemoration served as a multifaceted homage, honoring Vajpayee's memory through reflection, environmental action, and public welfare projects.
