PM Modi Tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji On His 100th Birth Anniversary.

Summary: PM Narendra Modi pens an article for Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth Anniversary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the occasion of Good Governance Day, marking the 100th anniversary of his birth and praising him as the mastermind behind India's 21st-century evolution. 

The Prime Minister's in-depth piece on Vajpayee's political career, his revolutionary leadership, and his lasting contributions to India's progress was part of the homage.\

In an article published by multiple publications on the former prime minister's 100th birthday on Wednesday, Modi shared his opinions on Vajpayee's contributions to the country.

In the article, he wrote:

“Today, 25th December is a very special day for all of us. Our nation marks the 100th Jayanti of our beloved former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. He stands tall as a statesman who continues to inspire countless people.”

“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 9 years we had seen 4 Lok Sabha elections. The people of India were getting impatient and also skeptical about governments being able to deliver. It was Atal Ji who turned this tide by providing stable and effective governance. Coming from humble roots, he realized the struggles of the common citizen and the transformative power of effective governance.”

“He was also not one to cling on to power through opportunistic means. He preferred to resign in 1996 instead of following the path of horse-trading and dirty politics. In 1999, his Government was defeated by 1 vote. A lot of people told him to challenge the immoral politics happening then but he preferred to go by the rules. Eventually, he came back with another resounding mandate from the people.”

In the article, PM Modi cited a "wonderful example of Vajpayee leadership" by recalling how, in the summer of 1998, immediately after Vajpayee's government took office, India carried out the Pokhran nuclear tests, also referred to as "Operation Shakti," on May 11.

“It is also noteworthy how deeply rooted Atal Ji was in Indian culture. Upon becoming India’s External Affairs Minister, he became the first Indian leader to speak in Hindi at the United Nations. This one gesture showcased his immense pride in India's heritage and identity, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.”

According to the PM, Vajpayee's term was the turning point for India's technological and infrastructure development. Projects like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, the Golden Quadrilateral project, and the construction of the Delhi Metro were significant because they boosted economic growth and forged stronger ties with India.