India commemorated the 99th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Monday with a wave of tributes led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi, along with several dignitaries including President Droupadi Murmu and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, paid respects at Vajpayee’s memorial, ‘Sadaiv Atal’.
Modi lauded Vajpayee for his lifelong dedication to India’s development, stating that his spirit of service would serve as an inspiration during the “Amrit Kaal” – the period leading up to the centenary of India’s independence in 2047.
Vajpayee’s legacy rests not only on his political contributions as a popular face of the BJP and a successful coalition leader, but also on his eloquence and ability to transcend ideological boundaries. His magnetic personality and inclusive leadership played a crucial role in uniting diverse parties and propelling the BJP to power in 1999.
On the same day, Modi further commemorated another significant figure on their birth anniversary – freedom fighter and educationist Madan Mohan Malaviya. Praising Malaviya’s exceptional character and achievements, Modi asserted that his work would continue to inspire future generations across the nation.
