The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed a prayer meeting in New Delhi, organized in memory of the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who passed away recently.
He said that how long our life is, is not in our hands, but we can determine ‘how’ our life will be. He said that Atal ji showed through his life, how life should be, and what its purpose should be. He said Atal ji lived each moment for the common man. Right from youth till the time the physical body supported him, he lived for the country, the Prime Minister added. He said Atal ji lived for the countrymen, for his principles, and for the aspirations of the common man.
The Prime Minister noted that Vajpayee ji spent most of his political life at a time when there was virtually no alternative to the dominant political ideology. He said that despite facing isolation, he remained committed to his ideals. He stayed in opposition for so long, yet his ideals remained untouched, the Prime Minister said. Shri Narendra Modi said that Vajpayee ji respected Parliamentary traditions; and when the opportunity came, he implemented his vision for the benefit of the people.
In each moment you could feel the "Atal" in him, the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister recalled that on May 11, 1998, he surprised the world through the nuclear tests. He attributed the success of these tests, to the skill of our scientists. And despite the widespread adverse reaction globally, Atal ji did not buckle under pressure, and showed the world that India is "Atal," the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister said that three new states were formed, under Vajpayee ji's leadership, without any trace of bitterness. He said Vajpayee ji showed how to take everyone together in decision making.
The Prime Minister recalled that when Atal ji first formed the Government at the Centre, no one was willing to offer support, and the Government fell in 13 days. But Atal ji did not lose hope and remained committed to serving the people. He showed the way when it came to coalition politics, the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister said that Vajpayee ji changed the global narrative on Kashmir. He highlighted the issue of terrorism, and brought it to the centrestage, globally.
The Prime Minister said that Atal ji shall remain an inspiration, for the crores of workers of the BJP. He was away from public life and politics for over a decade; and yet there was such an outpouring of emotion at his passing. This shows his greatness, the Prime Minister said. He noted that the young Indian wrestler, Bajrang Punia, who may never have met Atal ji, dedicated his gold medal at the Asian Games yesterday, to Atal ji. What greater heights, and what greater success can a man achieve, the Prime Minister remarked.
Atal Ji's was a life for the people of India.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 20, 2018
In his youth itself he decided that he wants to serve his fellow Indians.
He entered politics when only one party held sway over the political discourse: PM @narendramodi
Atal Ji spent several years in Opposition. Not once did he compromise on his ideology.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 20, 2018
He distinguished himself as a Parliamentarian and was proud of our Parliamentary traditions: PM @narendramodi
Atal Ji's efforts ensured Indian became a nuclear power. He attributed the tests of 11th May 1998 to the brilliance of our scientists. Two days later, India tested again & showed what a strong political leadership can do. He never buckled under pressure. He was Atal after all: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 20, 2018
Atal Ji as PM created three states, which are prospering. The process of creating these states was peaceful and without bitterness: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 20, 2018
When Atal Ji formed the Government for 13 days, no party was willing to support him. The Government fell. He did not lose hope and remained committed to serving the people.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 20, 2018
Atal Ji showed the way when it came to coalition politics: PM @narendramodi
When some were cornering India on the Kashmir issue, it was Vajpayee Ji who changed the narrative.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 20, 2018
Due to Vajpayee ji, terrorism became an important issue at the world stage: PM @narendramodi
Yesterday one of our athletes, @BajrangPunia won the Gold (our 1st in 2018 Asian Games). He dedicated medal to Atal Ji. I do not think Bajrang would have had the opportunity to closely interact with Atal Ji but such is Atal Ji's respect that every Indian is inspired by him: PM https://t.co/vB8T58xGcT
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 20, 2018
