Architect of India's transition into 21st century: PM Modi hails Vajpayee on his 100th birth anniversary

New Delhi, Dec 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, hailed him as a statesman whose leadership continues to inspire the nation, while recalling Vajpayee's pivotal role in India's transition to the 21st century.

In his tribute, PM Modi lauded Vajpayee for his foresight in projects like the Golden Quadrilateral, his leadership during the nuclear tests, and his commitment to strengthening Indian democracy and the Constitution.

"Our nation will always be grateful to Atal Ji for being the architect of India's transition into the 21st century. When he took oath as PM in 1998 our nation had passed through a period of political instability. In about nine years we had seen four Lok Sabha elections. The people of India were getting impatient and also sceptical about governments being able to deliver. It was Atal Ji who turned this tide by providing stable and effective governance. Coming from humble roots, he realised the struggles of the common citizen and the transformative power of effective governance," PM Modi wrote.

Praising Vajpayee further, the Prime Minister wrote that his era marked a gigantic leap in the world of Information Technology, telecom and communications.

"This was particularly important for a nation like ours, which is also blessed with a very dynamic Yuva Shakti. The NDA Government under Atal Ji made the first serious attempt to make technology accessible to the common citizens. At the same time, there was foresight in connecting India. Even today, most people recall the Golden Quadrilateral Project, which connected the length and breadth of India. Equally notable were the Vajpayee Government's efforts to enhance local connectivity as well through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Similarly, his Government gave a push to metro connectivity by doing extensive work for the Delhi Metro, which stands out as a world-class infrastructure project," he wrote.

"Thus, the Vajpayee Government not only boosted economic growth but also brought distant regions closer, fostering unity and integration," the Prime Minister wrote.

PM Modi also highlighted initiatives like the 'Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan,' where Atal Vajpayee envisioned building an India where modern education was accessible to people across the nation, particularly for the poor and marginalised sections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further underlined Vajpayee's leadership when India conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran.

"His Government had just assumed office and on 11th May, India conducted the Pokhran tests, known as Operation Shakti. These tests exemplified the prowess of India's scientific community. The world was stunned that India had done the tests and expressed their anger in no uncertain terms. Any ordinary leader would have buckled, but Atal Ji was made differently. And what happened? India stood firm and resolute with the government calling for another set of tests two days later, on 13th May! If the tests of the 11th showed scientific skill, the ones on 13th showed true leadership. It was a message to the world that gone were the days when India would buckle under threats or pressure. Despite facing international sanctions, the then NDA government of Vajpayee Ji stood firm, articulating India's right to safeguard its sovereignty while simultaneously being the strongest proponent of world peace," the Prime Minister wrote.

"Atal Ji understood Indian democracy and also the need to make it stronger. Atal Ji presided over the creation of the NDA, which redefined coalitions in Indian politics. He brought people together and made NDA a force for development, national progress and regional ambitions. His Parliamentary brilliance was seen throughout his political journey. He belonged to a party with a handful of MPs but his words were enough to rattle the might of the all-powerful Congress Party that time. As Prime Minister, he blunted the criticisms of the Opposition with style and substance. His was a career spent largely in the Opposition benches but never carried any trace of bitterness against anyone, even though the Congress stooped to new lows by going to the extent of calling him a traitor!" he wrote.

The Prime Minister went on to write that Atal Bihar was also not one to cling to power through opportunistic means. "He preferred to resign in 1996 instead of following the path of horse-trading and dirty politics. In 1999, his Government was defeated by one vote. A lot of people told him to challenge the immoral politics happening then but he preferred to go by the rules. Eventually, he came back with another resounding mandate from the people," PM Modi wrote.

PM Modi also recalled when Atal Bihar agreed to merge his party--Jan Sangh into the Janata Party to safeguard the Constitution after the Emergency period.

"When it comes to commitment to protecting our Constitution too, Atal Ji stands tall. He was deeply impacted by the martyrdom of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Years later, he was a pillar of the anti-emergency movement. In the run-up to the 1977 elections after the Emergency, he agreed to merge his own Party (Jan Sangh) into the Janata Party. I am sure it would have been a painful decision but for him, and the others, but safeguarding the Constitution was all that mattered," he wrote.

"It is also noteworthy how deeply rooted Atal Ji was in Indian culture. Upon becoming India's External Affairs Minister, he became the first Indian leader to speak in Hindi at the United Nations. This one gesture showcased his immense pride in India's heritage and identity, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage," the PM wrote.

Further, PM Modi wrote that it was his privilege that he was able to learn and interact with people like Vajpayee.

"His contribution to the BJP was foundational. In those days to spear-head an alternative narrative to the dominant Congress showed his greatness. Alongside stalwarts like LK Advani Ji and Dr Murli Manohar Joshi Ji he nurtured the party from its formative years, guiding it through challenges, setbacks and triumphs. Whenever the choice came between ideology and power, he always chose the former. He was able to convince the nation that an alternative world view from the Congress was possible and such a world view could deliver," the Prime Minister wrote.

"On his 100th Jayanti, let us rededicate ourselves to realising his ideals and fulfilling his vision for India. Let us strive to build an India that embodies his principles of good governance, unity, and progress. Atal Ji's unwavering belief in the potential of our nation continues to inspire us to aim higher and work harder," he wrote.