Nation pays tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 8th death anniversary

The nation paid homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the occasion of his death anniversary on Sunday. The BJP stalwart breathed his last on this day in 2018. Vajpayee served as the Prime Minister on three occasions. The first BJP leader to become prime minister, Vajpayee was born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior.

His first term as the Prime Minister was for only 13 days in 1996. He served his second term for a period of eleven months from 1998 to 1999 and then a full term from 1999 to 2004. He was awarded India’s highest civilian honour — Bharat Ratna — in 2015. Dignitaries will pay floral tributes to the former Prime Minister at his memorial, Sadaiv Atal, here.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Vajpayee at his memorial. Former President Ram Nath Kovind, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and BJP National President Nitin Nabin were also present on the occasion.

Radhakrishnan, in a social media post, said that his enduring legacy will always remain a source of inspiration for the nation. He added that his commitment to nation-building, inclusive leadership and national pride continues to inspire generations.

Sharing a social media post, Prime Minister Modi called Vajpayee an extraordinary statesman blessed with remarkable vision, who dedicated his life to the service of the nation. He added that the words and efforts of the former Prime Minister inspired generations and his leadership strengthened the nation. He also said Vajpayee’s focus on good governance and public welfare will always continue to guide countrymen.

In his tributes, Speaker Om Birla noted in a social media post that Vajpayee was such a titan of Indian politics whose personality embodied a unique confluence of patriotism, democratic values, sensitivity, and extraordinary oratory.

He added that over a parliamentary career spanning more than five decades, he was elected to the Lok Sabha ten times and to the Rajya Sabha twice. Birla said that the former Prime Minister will always be remembered as a fiery parliamentarian, a powerful orator, an accomplished journalist, and a sensitive poet.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a statue of Vajpayee in the Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan.  He highlighted that the former prime minister’s value-based politics brought the vision of ‘Antyodaya’ and good governance to the ground for the first time. He described Vajpayee as a patriotic politician who devoted every moment of his life to the nation.

“On one hand, he made the entire world aware of India’s strength through nuclear tests and the Kargil War, while on the other hand, his value-based politics brought the vision of Antyodaya and good governance to the ground for the first time,” Shah said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also visited Vajpayee’s memorial and said that under his leadership, India achieved new heights in economic and social development.

“His contribution to India’s progress will always be remembered. His personality, ideals and unwavering commitment to serving the nation will always remain a source of inspiration for us,” he said.

BJP President Nabin said, “A towering statesman and true visionary, Atal Ji’s life was dedicated to national service, integrity, and good governance. His ideals will forever guide our path towards nation-building,” he said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid floral tributes to Vajpayee at his statue in Lucknow. “Revered Atal ji was as effortlessly simple and straightforward as he was unwavering in his resolve; during the Kargil conflict, the world acknowledged the steel of his determination. Salutations to his sacred memories,” he said.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said Vajpayee is an inspiration to millions of workers. “As a skilled organiser, Atal Ji’s life, rooted in ideology and principles, was always dedicated to the nation. On his death anniversary today, millions of tributes to him,” he said.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the former prime minister and the founder of the BJP is an inspiration for millions of workers. “I offer my deepest respects. The strong foundation he laid for good governance, development, and national pride, by placing the nation’s interest above all, will forever guide us,” he said.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also visited Vajpayee’s memorial and paid floral tributes to him. She noted that the former prime minister instilled values of national service, organisational discipline, and the dignity of public life in countless workers such as herself.