March is an extremely crucial month for lakhs of our young friends as they appear for the Class X and Class XII board examinations. Many students across Gujarat have their exams commencing tomorrow, exams of many are already underway and lot of students’ exams start in the days to come. I would like to wish all my young friends the very best for the examinations! Months of preparation, hardwork, and occasional apprehension will boil down to the few hours in the exam hall.
The best way to tackle all issues and anxieties related to these exams is to treat the board exams as a game. ‘Play the exam’ instead of appearing for the same in a stressed frame of mind. Take it as an opportunity of self-growth and that is when the stress will instantly disappear! Your must remember what Swami Vivekananda said, “ ‘Have faith in yourself first’, that’s the way. Have faith in yourself — all power is in you — be conscious and bring it out. Say, ‘I can do everything.’ ‘Even the poison of a snake is powerless if you can firmly deny it.” Rise above any iota of negativity or self-doubt.
All of us have our own experiences of appearing for examinations. It brings back to the mind several anecdotes, both pleasant and some not so pleasant. Back in our time, examinations are not as competitive as they are today. The pressures of exams were even much lesser. Back in the day, if one got above 70% it was a matter of great joy but these days even if a student gets 90% he or she wonders, ‘where could I have done better!’ Truly, times have changed…
Young friends, in between the grueling daily academic routine, it is very important to take some time off to unwind. It can be simple things like hearing your favourite music, spending time with family-friends or catching up on a favourite television show. Performing Surya Namaskar and Pranayama during these times can enhance concentration and add much needed efficiency during exam time.
The Board Examinations are not only about the journey of the student concerned. Behind every student appearing for the exams lie the sacrifices and travails of countless number of individuals, both known and unknown to the student.
Young friends, as you enter a crucial stretch of your academic journey, remember your parents who sacrificed their time, energy and showered their affection on you when you were studying till late at night. Remember your little sibling who did not watch television because it would distract your preparation, remember your teachers who worked so hard and patiently guided you when you needed them the most. I am sure their blessings will inspire you to work even harder and shine in the examinations and by doing well in the exams you will honor those who worked hard for you in your times of need.
The Board Examinations mark not an end but a new beginning for the students! The students appearing for the board exams will now make some of the most important choices, which will impact their future. I am sure you will make wise choices, keeping in mind your talents as well as interests.
Though those days may seem years away right now, I would ask my young friends to make the most of the time they get after the board examinations. Go out and do things that fascinate you- travel, read; do things that you have not been able to do in the last one year. I would strongly urge youngsters to give time towards community service. This can truly expand the focus of your education. After all, the sole purpose of your studies is not to have a mark sheet that reads ‘A+, A+, A+’ but to have the confidence that your education will give back something to society. Swam Vivekananda rightly said, “I call him a traitor, who having been educated at the cost of society pays least heed to it.”
Once again, wishing my student friends the very best for the exams!
রাষ্ট্রনায়ক অটলজির প্রতি শ্রদ্ধা জানাই, যিনি তাঁর দূরদৃষ্টি ও সংকল্পের মাধ্যমে ভারতকে রূপ দিয়েছেন
December 25, 2024
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Today, 25th December is a very special day for all of us. Our nation marks the 100th Jayanti of our beloved former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. He stands tall as a statesman who continues to inspire countless people.
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 9 years we had seen 4 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.
One can see the long-term impact of Atal Ji’s leadership in so many sectors around us. 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. Thus, the Vajpayee Government not only boosted economic growth but also brought distant regions closer, fostering unity and integration.
When it comes to the social sector, an initiative like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan highlights how Atal Ji dreamt of building an India where modern education is accessible to people across the nation, particularly for the poor and marginalised sections. At the same time, his government presided over many economic reforms which set the stage for India’s economic surge after several decades of following an economic philosophy which encouraged cronyism and stagnation.
A wonderful example of Vajpayee Ji’s leadership can be seen in the summer of 1998. 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.
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 was also not one to cling on 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 1 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.
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 merger of 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.
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.
Atal Ji’s persona was magnetic and his life was enriched by his love for literature and expression. A prolific writer and poet, he used words to inspire, provoke thought, and even offer solace. His poetry, often reflective of his inner struggles and hopes for the nation, continues to resonate with people across age groups.
For so many Bharatiya Janata Party Karyakartas like me, it is our privilege that we were able to learn and interact with a person like Atal Ji. His contribution to the BJP was foundational. In those days to spearhead an alternative narrative to the dominant Congress showed his greatness. Alongside stalwarts like Shri L.K. 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.
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.
