The first death anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vjpayee was marked on Friday by a prayer meeting here held at Sadaiv Atal—the memorial to the late leader- which was attended by top dignitaries and political leaders.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and members of Vajpayee’s family were amongst those who paid tributes to the BJP leader amid the playing of hymns and devotional music.
The memorial was dedicated to the nation in December last year. The central samadhi platform comprises nine square black polished granite stone blocks, capped with a “diya” in the centre. Vajpayee (93) passed away on August 16 last year at AIIMS.
Similar memorial were also held at different parts of the country with governments announcing various schemes in the memory of the late leader including setting -up of hospitals and schools after his name.
In the national capital, DR RML Hospital’s medical college was named after the ex-Prime Minister. Union Health Minister Harshvardhan also laid the foundation for Super Speciality block and New doctor’s hostel.
Medical Superintendent & Director Dr. VK Tiwari said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of medical sciences (ABVIMS) starts with 100 MBBS seats this year. “It will be a state of art medical college with reputed faculties and world class infrastructure. Super Specialty Block has more than 550 beds and the New Resident Doctors’ Hostel has 827 bed units,” Dr Tiwari said.