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Coming from humble roots, Atal Bihari Vajpayee realised the struggles of the common citizen and the transformative power of effective governance, PM Modi wrote.
File photo of PM Narendra Modi with former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. (Credit: narendramodi.in)
Paying tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth centenary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wrote that the former PM continues to inspire countless people. Modi recalled how the NDA government, under Vajpayee, made “first serious attempt” to make technology accessible to the common citizens, while also connecting the length and breadth of India with the Golden Quadrilateral Project — a network of highways that connects four major cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
PM Modi highlighted that Vajpayee’s contributions in Information Technology, telecom and communications is particularly important for “a nation like ours, which is blessed with a very dynamic Yuva Shakti“.
Today, on Atal Ji’s 100th birth anniversary, penned a few thoughts on his monumental contribution to our nation and how his efforts transformed many lives.https://t.co/mFwp6s0uNX— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 25, 2024
“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,” the Prime Minister further wrote in his blog post.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee is known as a brilliant orator and a leader who commanded immense respect and admiration from leaders and opposition alike. He is known for India’s achievements in the field of science and technology.
One of his biggest achievements is the nuclear test in Pokhran. While India had successfully conducted its first nuclear test in 1974 during the prime ministership of Indira Gandhi, but on May 18, 1998, India again carried out nuclear test in Pokhran during Vajpayee government’s tenure.
Soon after the tests, Vajpayee declared India to be a full-fledged nuclear test. India suffered sanctions by United States and Japan, but remained unmoved.
“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,” PM Modi wrote.
“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,” he further mentioned in his blog post.
