On the occasion of Good Governance Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a profound and heartfelt tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 100th birth anniversary, celebrating him as the visionary architect of India's transformation into a vibrant 21st-century nation. Hailing Vajpayee’s extraordinary contributions to governance, development, and Indian society, the Prime Minister reflected on the late leader's towering legacy through a detailed article and a series of emotional messages shared with the nation.
Taking to X, PM Modi lauded Vajpayee as a guiding force whose vision and leadership continue to inspire India's journey toward progress and self-reliance. "Respectful tributes to former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji on his 100th birth anniversary. He dedicated his life to building a strong, prosperous, and self-reliant India. His vision and mission will continue to give strength to the resolve for a developed India," PM Modi wrote, capturing the essence of Vajpayee’s commitment to India’s development.
The Prime Minister elaborated on Vajpayee’s exceptional leadership during a period of profound political instability in 1998, highlighting how his ability to provide stable and effective governance restored faith in India’s democratic institutions. "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. The people of India were getting impatient and also sceptical about governments being able to deliver. It was Atal Ji who turned this tide by providing stable and effective governance," PM Modi noted.
Vajpayee’s tenure is remembered as a turning point for India's infrastructure, technology, and national security. PM Modi underscored transformative projects initiated under his leadership, such as the Golden Quadrilateral highway network, which significantly improved road connectivity, and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, which revolutionized rural development by linking villages to urban centers. The foundation of the Delhi Metro, a project conceived during Vajpayee’s time, became a symbol of India’s modernization. These initiatives not only bridged geographic divides but also catalyzed economic growth, setting India on a path of sustained development.
PM Modi credited Vajpayee’s foresight for ushering in a technological revolution that democratized access to IT and telecommunications. By making technology more accessible, Vajpayee's policies empowered millions and positioned India as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Reflecting on Vajpayee’s historic contributions to national security, PM Modi praised his unwavering resolve during the Pokhran nuclear tests of 1998. Despite the threat of severe international sanctions, Vajpayee demonstrated exceptional leadership, asserting India's right to safeguard its sovereignty while maintaining a strong commitment to global peace. PM Modi described this bold decision as a defining moment that reinforced India’s standing as a responsible nuclear power.
In the realm of coalition politics, Vajpayee’s legacy is unparalleled. As the head of the first National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, he successfully brought together diverse political parties under a common vision for national progress. PM Modi emphasized Vajpayee’s ability to navigate complex political landscapes with grace and diplomacy, fostering unity while prioritizing development. His Parliamentary brilliance, PM Modi recalled, was evident throughout his career, as his incisive oratory often challenged the dominance of the Congress and energized democratic discourse.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Vajpayee’s deep cultural pride and his commitment to preserving India’s heritage. As External Affairs Minister, Vajpayee became the first Indian leader to address the United Nations in Hindi, symbolizing his profound respect for the nation’s identity and linguistic diversity.
Beyond his political achievements, Vajpayee was celebrated for his literary genius. A prolific poet and writer, his words continue to inspire millions, capturing the essence of India’s cultural and spiritual ethos. PM Modi described Vajpayee's poetry as a reflection of his innermost thoughts, full of wisdom and optimism that resonate across generations.
To honor Vajpayee's memory, PM Modi visited the Sadaiv Atal memorial in Delhi, where he paid floral tributes alongside President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Vajpayee’s foster daughter, Namita Kaul Bhattacharya, was also present, offering her respects in a solemn moment of remembrance. Videos of the ceremony, showcasing leaders united in their admiration for Vajpayee, quickly circulated online, underscoring his enduring influence on Indian politics and society.
PM Modi concluded his tribute by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to have learned from Vajpayee and emphasized the enduring relevance of his ideals in shaping a modern, self-reliant India. "Atal Ji's life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to India's progress. His legacy continues to inspire countless people, and his vision remains a guiding light for our nation," he said.
Through Good Governance Day, Vajpayee’s contributions to India’s development and democratic fabric were celebrated as an enduring source of inspiration, reaffirming his role as one of the nation’s greatest statesmen. His legacy serves as a reminder of the transformative power of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to national progress.
