The 90th birthday of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, admired as much by his party as by the an array of Opposition leaders, was celebrated on Thursday with prominent dignitaries and political leaders wishing him ‘satayu’ (100 years)| and good health.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited 6A-Krishna Menon Marg residence of Vajpayee in the morning and personally greeted the patriarch. “Warm birthday wishes to our one and only Atalji,” he said in his message.“There is no bigger tribute to Atalji than celebrating his birthday as ‘Good Governance Day’ and pledging to devote ourselves to this cause,” he said.
Ailing for a stretch of time, the former Prime Minister is having problem in recognising and communicating with the people visiting him.“Development and good governance are the only ways ahead. Together, let us make a positive impact in people’s lives and create a developed India,” the Prime Minister said.The Modi government awarded Vajpayee the country’s highest civilian award ahead of his birthday. President Pranab Mukherjee also wished Vajpayee on his birthday saying: “Please accept my warm greetings and good wishes on your birthday. May the Almighty bless you with happiness and good health.”
Greeting the former PM, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar tweeted, “On the occasion of Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji’s birthday, I salute his fierce nationalism and contribution to a stronger and prosperous India.”Many die hard admirers of former Prime Minister recalled his famous Hindi poem which exhorted people to never give up against all odds. The famed Vajpayee poem went like — “Haar Nahi Manunga, Raar Nahi Thanunga, Kaal Ke Kapal Pe likhta Mitata Hoon, Geet Naya Gaata Hoon.”
A book ‘Hamare Atal ji’ was released by senior BJP leader lK Advani. The party made elaborate arrangements to celebrate Vajpayee’s birthday. A musical evening was organised in the city which was graced by ‘Bhajan’ singer Anoop Jalota.Between 8 am and 9 am, party workers, MPs, MlAs and senior leaders participated in RsSwachh Bharat AbhiyaanRs (cleanliness campaign) throughout the country. The home State Uttar Pradesh celebrated Vajpayee’s birthday by lighting 90 earthen lamps ‘diyas’ at the BJP’s State office in lucknow, which he had represented as the MP.