Leaders of India, including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his sixth death anniversary. Vajpayee, who passed away in 2018, was a renowned leader and a towering figure in Indian politics, who made history as the first non-Congress Prime Minister to complete a full term in office. His contributions and vision continue to be remembered and honored by the nation.
Remembering Atal Bihari Vajpayee: A Legacy of Leadership and Vision
Background
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, one of India's most revered leaders, passed away on August 16, 2018, leaving an unfillable void in Indian politics. A renowned statesman, orator, and visionary, Vajpayee played a pivotal role in shaping modern India.
Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Vajpayee joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at an early age and became actively involved in the Indian independence movement. He entered electoral politics in 1957 and served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh for a record 10 terms.
Vajpayee's political career culminated in his three terms as India's Prime Minister. His first tenure lasted from May 1996 to June 1996, followed by a 13-day stint as Prime Minister in 1999. His final and longest-serving term began in October 1999 and ended in May 2004.
Legacy and Contributions
Vajpayee's leadership was characterized by bold initiatives and a commitment to economic development while upholding India's core values. Some of his most notable achievements include:
Tributes and Remembrance
On the sixth anniversary of Vajpayee's death, Indian leaders paid heartfelt tributes to his legacy. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several other dignitaries visited the Vajpayee Memorial at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal in New Delhi to pay homage.
"Atalji remains an inspiration to us all. His vision and leadership will continue to guide us in the years to come," said Prime Minister Modi in a tweet.
FAQs
What was Atal Bihari Vajpayee's political ideology? Vajpayee was a lifelong member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and subscribed to the party's ideology of integral humanism ("Ekatma Manavvad"), which emphasizes the unity of all living beings and the importance of social harmony.
What are some of Vajpayee's most famous speeches? Vajpayee was known for his eloquent and powerful speeches, including his "Tryst with Destiny" speech at the United Nations General Assembly in 2003 and his "Lotus Bloom" speech during the BJP's victory rally in 1984.
What was Vajpayee's role in the formation of the NDA government in 1998? Vajpayee was instrumental in forming the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a coalition of center-right parties, which enabled him to become Prime Minister after the 1998 general elections.
What is the significance of the Pokhran-II nuclear tests? The Pokhran-II nuclear tests established India as a nuclear power and were a significant milestone in the country's defense history. They also led to international pressure and sanctions against India.
How is Vajpayee's legacy preserved? Several institutions, such as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Good Governance and Policy Analysis, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Educational Institute, and the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Centre for Policy Research, work to promote and disseminate his ideas and contributions.
Ranjana Sonawane, the first recipient of India's Aadhar card, still lacks access to government schemes 13 years later. Despite being eligible for the Chief Minister Majhi Ladki Behen Yojana, Ranjana has not received any money due to an issue with her Aadhar being linked to someone else's bank account. This case brings to light the flaws in the implementation of government schemes in rural and tribal areas, where women like Ranjana often have their funds misdirected or lack necessary information.
The Indian National Congress (INC) has announced its plans to launch a month-and-a-half-long campaign in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The purpose of the campaign is to demand the restoration of statehood and to further the “Save the Constitution” movement. With the recent appointment of Syed Naseer Hussain as the new J&K in-charge, the party hopes to regain its lost support in the Union Territory. This campaign comes at a crucial time, as former supporters of the Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad have recently dissolved their party, raising questions about their political future. The Congress hopes to use this opportunity to highlight the BJP's failures in empowering elected governments and its betrayal over statehood.
Thousands of citizens in Pune are rallying together through an online petition to demand the protection of their city's hills and hill slopes from any construction. The petition is addressed to the former Pune Municipal Commissioner and Chairman of the state-appointed Committee on Bio-Diversity Park and Hill Top Hill Slopes. The citizens are concerned that the committee's review may result in allowing construction on the hills, while strict measures have already been mandated by the government to prevent it. The citizens stress the importance of preserving these natural areas for the city's ecological balance and urge the government to uphold its promise to future generations.
After the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. This decision was made during a key meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with discussions on potential actions being taken against Pakistan. As tensions between the two countries continue to escalate, Indian leaders have condemned Pakistan for their involvement in the attack and have vowed to take strong measures in response.
The Indian Army made its first major move since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, as they killed top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Altaf Lalli in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district. The security forces are on the hunt for the terrorists responsible for the brutal killing of 26 civilians and have launched a massive anti-terror operation. In other developments, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Srinagar for a security review meeting and the authorities demolished the houses of two suspected terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack.
In a hearing at the Supreme Court, the bench rebuked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "irresponsible" comments about freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The judges highlighted the need to show respect for India's freedom fighters and questioned whether Gandhi was aware of his grandmother and Mahatma Gandhi praising Savarkar. The court also stayed an Allahabad High Court order that refused to dismiss a lower court's summons against Gandhi over his alleged remarks about Savarkar.
The Supreme Court has stepped in to warn Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his comments about India's independence activist Veer Savarkar, staying a trial court's summons to the politician. The top court emphasized that Savarkar is a highly respected figure in Maharashtra and stated that no one would be allowed to make derogatory remarks about freedom fighters. The court also pointed out that Gandhi's family has had a history of praising Savarkar and Gandhi himself has been warned that the court will take suo motu cognizance of any such remarks. Additionally, the article also mentions an attack in Jammu and Kashmir that has led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
In a successful operation by the security forces, a Lashkar-e-Taliba (LeT) terrorist associate, identified as Altaf Lalli, was killed in an ongoing encounter in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter began after the security forces received intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the area. Two security personnel have also been injured in the exchange of fire and are currently undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. The clash highlights the continued efforts of the security forces to combat terrorism in the region.
The Telangana-Chhattisgarh border is a hotbed of tension as security forces step up their efforts to root out Maoist activity from the region. Top Maoist leader Hidma is the target of current high-security operations, with forces strategically advancing through previously inaccessible areas. With mounting pressure, sources indicate that the hold of the Maoists in the region is gradually weakening, making for a tense and critical situation.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of a terror attack in Pahalgam, security forces are undertaking a massive operation in the dense Karregutta hills forest to eliminate the heart of Naxal command. This operation, involving 7,000 personnel and cutting-edge technology, aims to strike a blow at Naxalism by targeting top leaders of the PLGA Battalion No. 1. This bold move by the CRPF, with the Director General personally overseeing the operation, marks a turning point in the fight against Maoist insurgency. With five Naxals already killed and more likely to come, the operation is being hailed as a decisive victory and could potentially spell the end of Naxalism in India.