Celebrating the Centenary of a Visionary Leader

As we mark the 100th birth anniversary of legend Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji, one of India’s most charismatic leaders, we are reminded of his legacy that straddles politics, poetry, and the profound connection he forged with the land and people of Jammu and Kashmir. Vajpayee was not just a Prime Minister; he was a philosopher-politician who wielded his pen with as much grace as he shaped the seas of governance. His journey was a blend of determination, humanity, and artistic expression, and his contributions to the nation remain an evidence to his timeless vision.

The statesman who wove poetry into politics:

“Geet Naya Gaata Hoon, Baandhon Ko Tod Raha Hoon, Soorat Nayi Bana Raha Hoon”

These lines from Vajpayee Ji’s poetry echo the indomitable spirit of a man who reshaped India’s destiny. Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji’s journey was rooted in simplicity and an innate sense of patriotism. He rose to become one of India’s most beloved leaders, serving as Prime Minister thrice and leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

A stalwart of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Vajpayee Ji combined idealism with pragmatism, striving for development while staying deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual values. His eloquence, both in Parliament and through his poetry, revealed a man of depth, capable of seeing beyond the ordinary.

Jammu and Kashmir marks one of the most significant chapters of Vajpayee Ji’s leadership. At a time when the region was fraught with conflict, Vajpayee Ji reached out with his unique blend of firmness and empathy. His mantra of “Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat, and Kashmiriyat” (Humanity, Democracy, and Kashmiri Culture) resonated deeply with the people, reflecting his belief in dialogue over discord.

Vajpayee Ji extended a hand of friendship to Pakistan through the Lahore Bus Yatra in 1999, showing his commitment to peace. Despite the setback of the Kargil War, he maintained his resolve for dialogue, understanding that the path to progress in Kashmir lay in trust-building and addressing the aspirations of its people. His government also laid the groundwork for developmental projects in the region, focusing on infrastructure, education, and connectivity.

“Dreams are not seen with closed eyes; they are dreams that never let you sleep,” Vajpayee Ji once said, encapsulating his vision for India’s development. One of his most transformative initiatives was the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), launched in 2000. This ambitious rural road development program sought to connect even the remotest villages of India to the mainstream economy. Under Vajpayee Ji’s leadership, PMGSY became a lifeline for rural India, enabling access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. For states like Jammu and Kashmir, where rugged terrains often hinder connectivity, this scheme was a game-changer. It was Vajpayee Ji’s commitment to equitable development, bridging gaps between urban and rural, mainstream and marginalized.

While Vajpayee Ji’s poetic soul yearned for peace, his tenure also saw India assert its strategic autonomy. The Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998 under his leadership declared India’s arrival as a global power. Despite facing international sanctions, Vajpayee Ji steered the nation with resilience, emphasizing self-reliance and economic liberalization. His government introduced measures to modernize the economy, including initiatives like investment in public sector enterprises and infrastructure projects such as the Golden Quadrilateral, which revolutionized India’s road connectivity.

Pertinently, he was a poet at heart. His poetry was a reflection of his inner world—his struggles, his triumphs, and his eternal hope for a better tomorrow. In one of his most famous verses, he wrote:

“Haar Nahi Maanunga, Raar Nahi Thaanunga,

Kaal Ke Kapaal Par, Likhta-Mitaata Hoon, Geet Naya Gaata Hoon”

Through his words, Vajpayee Ji expressed an unyielding resolve, a refusal to bow before adversity. His poetic works, including collections like “Meri Ikyavan Kavitayen” (My 51 Poems), continue to inspire generations. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji was a leader who transcended political divides. His ability to build consensus, even among adversaries, showcased his statesmanship. He envisioned an India that was strong yet compassionate, modern yet deeply rooted in its cultural ethos.

As we pay tribute to this luminary, let us strive to uphold his ideals, echoing his words: Andhera Chatega, Sooraj Niklega Aur Kamal Khilega” (The darkness will fade, the sun will rise, and the lotus will bloom.)

Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji’s legacy, like his poetry, continues to inspire even as it transcends time. He taught the nation that leadership is not merely about holding power but about wielding it responsibly, with an eye toward the larger good. His ability to envision a united India—an India that embraced its diversity rather than being divided by it—remains one of his most enduring gifts.

Vajpayee Ji believed in empowering people through dialogue and reconciliation. His approach to governance was deeply inclusive, treating every citizen, whether in bustling metropolises or quiet villages, as an integral part of India’s growth story. In this vein, his initiatives were more than just policies; they were a commitment to bring India’s heartlands into the fold of development. During his tenure, Vajpayee Ji demonstrated remarkable composure and foresight in the face of adversities. The Kargil War of 1999, a significant test of his leadership, showcased his dual commitment to India’s sovereignty and his longing for peace. Even amidst the conflict, he maintained the dignity of dialogue, an evidence to his unshakable belief that war should never be the first resort.

Few leaders in modern history have seamlessly merged art and politics the way Vajpayee Ji did. His poetry, while deeply personal, often reflected his political ideals. In one of his most moving poems, he writes: Chote Naam sey Koi Bada Nahi Hota

Toote Mann sey Koi Khada Nahi Hota

(No one becomes great with a narrow mind, No one stands tall with a broken spirit.)

These words capture the essence of his leadership—a call to rise above pettiness, division, and despair. For Vajpayee Ji, poetry was not just an artistic pursuit but a medium to express his vision of an India united in purpose and spirit. His verses became a rallying cry for optimism, resilience, and the courage to dream.

As we celebrate 100 years since his birth, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji’s legacy is more relevant than ever. His contributions to infrastructure, peace-building, and rural development continue to shape India’s present and future. His ideals of dialogue, inclusion, and progress remind us of the kind of leadership that India—and indeed the world—needs.

From the snow-clad peaks of Kashmir to the bustling streets of Delhi, his impact is felt in every corner of the nation. His poetic words continue to echo in the hearts of millions, urging us to carry forward his vision of a united, prosperous India.

On this centenary, we reflect on the life of a leader who was much more than a Prime Minister. Vajpayee Ji was a poet of hope, a statesman of courage, and a humanist who understood the soul of India. As we bow in gratitude, we carry his dream forward—a dream of an India where roads connect hearts, where diversity is celebrated, and where progress is measured by the well-being of every citizen.

Let us end this tribute with Vajpayee Ji’s immortal lines that inspire us to move forward, come what may:

Zindagi Ki Aag Ko Jalaye Rakhna Saanso Ki Lou Ko Jagaye Rakhna

(Keep the fire of life burning, Keep the flame of breath alive.)

May Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji’s legacy light our path for generations to come.

Dr Shenaz Ganai is EX- MLC, Jammu and Kashmir. She is associated with Bharathiya Janata Party.