Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on the occasion of 96th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratan Atal Bihari Vajpayee unveiled the statue of the late Prime Minister at the historic Ridge at Shimla.
Addressing the “Atal Samriti Samaroh” on the occasion of ‘Sushashan Divas’ by the State language, Art and Culture Department at Gaiety Theatre, Chief Minister paid a rich tribute to the former Prime Minister saying he was a statesman and a great personality who, due to his politics of principles emerged as a statesman with national appeal.
The Chief Minister said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a legendary and visionary leader who defined highest values of leadership and his contribution for the development of the country would be remembered for the years to come, pointing out that he was an orator par excellence who had ability to cast a spell on the audience. He said that even during some of the most tense moments in Parliament, he succeeded to defuse the situation with utmost ease.
Thakur said that the unveiling of the statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the Ridge was a tribute to this great son of mother India. The 18 feet statue constructed by spending an amount of Rs. 1.08 crore was also the token of love and affection from the people of the State towards this great statesman, he said, adding that Atal Bihari Vajpayee shared special connect with Himachal, which he fondly called his ‘second home’. The CM said that despite his busy schedules, he would never miss an opportunity to come to Himachal and spending a few days here at his home in Prini village near Manali and enjoyed the green environs, met villagers over their small little demands, held poetry sessions. He said that with his simplicity and humanity, he ruled the hearts of millions of people and always believed in values-based politics and would always be remembered and respected for his simplicity, humanity and benevolence.
Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated a Blood donation camp on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the former Prime Minister organized by Shimla Unit of BJYM. Live telecast of the address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the nation was also shown on the occasion. Prime Minister transferred new instalment of over Rs. 18,000 crore in bank accounts of about 9 crore farmer families of the country under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna.
Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj and Education Minister Govind Singh Thakur also spoke on the occasion.
Technical Education Minister Ram Lal Markanda, MP and State BJP President Suresh Kashyap, Chief Whip Narender Bragta, MLA Balbir Verma, Mayor Shimla Municipal Corporation Satya Kaundal, Deputy Mayor Shailender Chauhan, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Trilok Jamwal, Additional Chief Secretary LAC R.D. Dhiman, were also present on the occasion.