Vajpayee Centenary: Good Governance Day

“We are unnecessarily wasting our precious resources in wars… if we must wage war, we have to do it against illiteracy, poverty, and backwardness.” – Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India’s 10th Prime Minister

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December 25th is known the world over for Christmas but in Gwalior, India, one hundred years ago, India’s tenth leader and first poet-Prime Minister, acclaimed as a great statesman, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born.

The Indian Government commemorated the 100th anniversary of the late Prime Minister’s birth by proclaiming it Sushasan Diwas or Good Governance Day, intended to educate the people about the government’s duties and activities; it’s objective is to bridge the gap between the public and the government by encouraging active participation from both the citizenry and those whom they have chosen to represent them.

Current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi took to the microblogging platform, X (formerly Twitter), to pay tribute to the former prime minister and co-founding leader of his party: “Respectful tributes to former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji on his 100th birth anniversary. He dedicated his life to building a strong, prosperous, and self-reliant India. His vision and mission will continue to give strength to the resolve for a developed India,” he wrote.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee: A Statesman, Poet, and Visionary Leader

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the 10th Prime Minister of India, remains one of the most revered figures in Indian politics. A leader of immense integrity, charisma, and eloquence, Vajpayee served as the Prime Minister thrice—first for 13 days in 1996, then for 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and finally for a full term from 1999 to 2004. As a stalwart of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he played a pivotal role in shaping modern Indian politics while leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s development.

Then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (left) with future Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right)

Early Life and Political Journey

Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Vajpayee demonstrated a deep interest in politics and literature from an early age. He pursued his education at Victoria College (now Laxmi Bai College) in Gwalior and later completed a Master’s degree in Political Science from DAV College, Kanpur. His association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in his youth laid the foundation for his political ideology.

Vajpayee’s political career began in earnest when he joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), the precursor to the BJP, in 1951. His eloquence as an orator and his ability to connect with people quickly earned him recognition. In 1957, he was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time, representing Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh. Over the years, he emerged as a prominent opposition leader, advocating for a strong, self-reliant India.

Prime Ministerial Tenure and Accomplishments

Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by bold decisions, economic reforms, and a commitment to India’s progress. Some of his most significant accomplishments include:

1. Pokhran-II Nuclear Tests (1998): One of Vajpayee’s most defining moments was overseeing India’s successful nuclear tests in May 1998. Conducted under immense international pressure, the tests established India as a nuclear power, boosting its global standing. Despite facing sanctions, Vajpayee’s leadership ensured that India’s economy remained resilient.
2. Infrastructure Development: Vajpayee launched the ambitious Golden Quadrilateral Project, aimed at connecting India’s four major metropolitan cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata—with a network of high-quality highways. This project not only revolutionized road connectivity but also catalyzed economic growth and development in previously inaccessible areas.
3. Economic Reforms: Under Vajpayee’s leadership, India witnessed significant economic liberalization. His government prioritized privatization, foreign direct investment (FDI), and IT sector growth, laying the groundwork for India’s emergence as a global economic powerhouse.
4. Peace Efforts with Pakistan: Vajpayee was a staunch advocate of peace and diplomacy. His historic bus journey to Lahore in 1999 and the Lahore Declaration aimed to improve Indo-Pak relations. Despite setbacks like the Kargil War, Vajpayee’s efforts showcased his commitment to fostering regional stability.
5. Kargil War Victory (1999): During the Kargil War, Vajpayee displayed exemplary leadership, ensuring India’s territorial integrity while earning international support for the country’s stance. The successful resolution of the conflict further cemented his reputation as a strong and decisive leader.
6. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan: Vajpayee’s government launched the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, a flagship program aimed at universalizing elementary education and improving literacy rates across the nation. This initiative laid the foundation for future educational reforms.

Legacy

Vajpayee’s legacy extends beyond his political achievements. Known for his poetic sensibilities, he authored several collections of Hindi poetry that reflected his philosophical outlook and love for humanity. His oratory, marked by wit and wisdom, made him a beloved leader who could rise above partisan divides.

His ability to form and lead a coalition government, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), showcased his inclusive approach to politics. Despite ideological differences, Vajpayee’s leadership fostered consensus, earning him respect across party lines.

In 2015, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, The Republic of India’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his immense contributions to the nation.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away on August 16, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of statesmanship, resilience, and visionary leadership. He was a leader who believed in India’s potential and worked tirelessly to realize it. Vajpayee’s life and contributions continue to inspire millions, reminding us of the power of integrity, dialogue, and unwavering dedication to the nation.