Atal Behari Vajpayee: The nation came together to light diyas and hold commemorative ceremonies under #AtalSmritiVarsh, a year-long tribute marking the legacy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, beginning with his birth centenary in 2024. Born on December 25, 1924, Vajpayee served as India’s Prime Minister three times and left an indelible mark on the country’s political and strategic landscape.
Atal Behari Achievements
His tenure is remembered for several landmark achievements, including the Pokhran-II nuclear tests that asserted India’s strategic autonomy, the ambitious Golden Quadrilateral highway project that transformed national connectivity, and his leadership during the 1999 Kargil conflict, which ended in India’s decisive victory. Beyond policy and governance, Vajpayee was widely admired for his statesmanship, oratory, and ability to build consensus across political divides.
Tributes pour from all parts of world
Across the country, tributes reflected both national pride and personal remembrance. In Tamil Nadu, senior leaders and party workers launched a week-long commemorative campaign, offering floral tributes and recalling Vajpayee’s inclusive vision and commitment to national unity. In New Delhi, a special memorial lecture was organised, where speakers highlighted his role in strengthening India’s regional diplomacy. Former Maldives Vice President Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, addressing the gathering, praised Vajpayee’s contribution to fostering peace and cooperation in South Asia, noting that his approach combined firmness on national interests with respect for dialogue.
Personal recollections added a human dimension to the commemorations. Retired Army Chief General V.P. Malik shared anecdotes that underscored Vajpayee’s compassionate and empathetic leadership style, particularly during times of national crisis. He recalled how Vajpayee balanced decisive action with deep concern for the morale and welfare of soldiers and their families.
The celebrations and reflections are set to culminate later this month, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate a memorial dedicated to Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Lucknow on December 25. The memorial is expected to stand as a lasting symbol of Vajpayee’s enduring legacy—of principled politics, visionary development, and a deep commitment to India’s unity and peace.