Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Celebrating the Life and Ideals of a Great Statesman

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, one of India’s most revered leaders, was a statesman, poet, and visionary who left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. Serving as India’s 10th Prime Minister, his leadership was characterized by economic reforms, strategic diplomacy, and a commitment to national unity. Vajpayee’s eloquence, both as a politician and poet, inspired millions, while his pragmatic approach to governance helped shape modern India.

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Early Life and Education

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, into a Brahmin family. His father, Krishna Bihari Vajpayee, was a school teacher, which instilled in him the value of education from an early age. Vajpayee attended Saraswati Shishu Mandir for his primary education and later pursued higher studies at Victoria College in Gwalior, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Hindi, English, and Sanskrit.

He furthered his education at DAV College in Kanpur, obtaining a Master’s degree in Political Science. During his college years, he was deeply influenced by the Indian independence movement and became involved in various social and political activities.

Early works as activist

Vajpayee's political activism began in earnest during the Quit India Movement in 1942 when he joined the Arya Kumar Sabha as a youth leader. He also became a volunteer with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1939. His commitment to social causes led him to serve as a pracharak (full-time worker) for the RSS after India gained independence.

His early experiences shaped his nationalist sentiments and commitment to Hindu cultural values. He was arrested during the Quit India Movement alongside his brother for participating in protests against British rule.

Political Beginnings

Image Source: Deccan Herald

• In 1951, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was chosen by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to help establish the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), a new political party that promoted Hindu nationalism. He became the party's national secretary, responsible for the Northern region, with his base in Delhi. During this time, he worked closely with Syama Prasad Mukherjee, the party leader.
  

• In the 1957 general elections, Vajpayee ran for a seat in the Lok Sabha, which is the lower house of India's Parliament. He initially lost in Mathura but was later elected from Balrampur.
  

• Vajpayee admired Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, and often imitated his speaking style. Nehru recognized Vajpayee's talent and predicted that he would one day become Prime Minister himself. When Nehru passed away in 1964, Vajpayee honored him by calling him "the orchestrator of the impossible and inconceivable," comparing him to Lord Rama from Hindu mythology.
  

• Vajpayee became known for his excellent speaking skills and was seen as a strong supporter of the Jana Sangh's policies. After the death of Deendayal Upadhyaya, Vajpayee took over as the leader of the Jana Sangh and became its president in 1968. He worked alongside other prominent leaders like Nanaji Deshmukh, Balraj Madhok, and L. K. Advani to guide the party during this period.

Janata Party and BJP Era (1975–1995)

Image Source: BBC

• In 1975, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was arrested along with many other opposition leaders during the Internal Emergency declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This Emergency lasted from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, and was a time of significant political turmoil in India.

• Vajpayee was first taken to a prison in Bangalore. Due to his poor health, he requested to be moved to a hospital in Delhi. In December 1976, he asked student activists from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) to apologize to Indira Gandhi for any violence caused by protests, but the student leaders refused to follow his order.

• When the Emergency ended in 1977, a coalition of parties, including the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), came together to form the Janata Party. This coalition won the general elections that year, and Morarji Desai became the Prime Minister. Vajpayee served as the Minister of External Affairs in Desai's cabinet and made history by being the first person to speak in Hindi at the United Nations General Assembly in 1977.

• However, in 1979, both Desai and Vajpayee resigned, leading to the collapse of the Janata Party. Former members of the BJS then formed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980, with Vajpayee as its first president.

• In the years leading up to Operation Bluestar, there were protests by members of the Sangh Parivar, including a march led by L. K. Advani and Vajpayee to demand government action regarding the Golden Temple.

• In the 1984 general elections, which followed Indira Gandhi's assassination by her Sikh bodyguards, Vajpayee shifted his focus from New Delhi to his hometown of Gwalior for his candidacy. Initially, Vidya Razdan was expected to be the Congress candidate; however, Madhavrao Scindia from the Gwalior royal family entered the race at the last moment. Vajpayee lost this election, securing only 29% of the votes.

• During his leadership, the BJP moved away from its earlier hardline Hindu-nationalist stance and began emphasizing its connection to Gandhian socialism. However, this ideological shift did not lead to electoral success; after Indira Gandhi's assassination, there was a wave of sympathy for Congress, resulting in a significant victory for them. The BJP only managed to win two seats in Parliament during this election. Although Vajpayee offered to resign as party president due to this poor performance, he remained in that position until 1986.

• In 1986, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh and briefly served as the leader of the BJP in Parliament. That same year, L. K. Advani became president of the BJP and shifted its focus back to hardline Hindu nationalism.

• Under Advani's leadership, the BJP became closely associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which aimed to build a temple dedicated to Lord Rama at Ayodhya on a site believed to be his birthplace. This site had previously housed a mosque called Babri Masjid. The strategy worked well for the BJP; they won 86 seats in the Lok Sabha during the 1989 general elections and became an important part of V. P. Singh's government.

• In December 1992, members of various Hindu organizations tore down the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya, marking a significant event in Indian politics.

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Tenures as Prime Minister

Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure as the Prime Minister of India stands as a testament to visionary leadership, inclusive governance, and unwavering commitment to the nation's progress. Spanning three distinct terms:

1. First Term: May 1996

2. Second Term: 1998–1999

3. Third Term:1999–2004

First Term as Prime Minister:May 1996

Image Source: Bhaskar

Vajpayee's first term as Prime Minister was brief, lasting only 13 days from May 16 to May 31, 1996. Despite its short duration, this term was significant for several reasons:

Major Achievements:

1. Formation of Government: Vajpayee became the first Prime Minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the party emerged as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha elections. His appointment marked a shift in Indian politics, showcasing the rise of a non-Congress party.

2. Coalition Politics: His leadership during this period set the stage for future coalition governments in India. Although he could not secure a majority and resigned, his attempt to lead a coalition demonstrated his ability to navigate complex political landscapes.

3. Diplomatic Initiatives: Even in this short time, Vajpayee emphasized the importance of diplomacy and sought to maintain good relations with neighboring countries.

Second Term as Prime Minister:1998–1999

Image Source: The Times of India

Vajpayee's second term was much more impactful and lasted from March 19, 1998, to May 13, 2004. This period is often remembered for several landmark achievements.

Major Achievements:

1. Nuclear Tests (Pokhran-II): In May 1998, India conducted a series of nuclear tests under Vajpayee's leadership, declaring itself a nuclear power. This move was met with international criticism but solidified India's strategic position globally.

Image Source: Deccan Herald

2. Economic Reforms: Vajpayee continued the economic liberalization policies initiated in the early 1990s. His government focused on privatization and encouraged foreign investment. The establishment of special economic zones and initiatives like the National Highway Development Project were pivotal in boosting economic growth.

3. Infrastructure Development: The launch of major infrastructure projects such as the Golden Quadrilateral, which connected Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata through a network of highways, transformed transportation in India. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana aimed at connecting rural areas with all-weather roads.

4. Telecom Revolution: The New Telecom Policy introduced in 1999 revolutionized India's telecommunications sector by encouraging private players and expanding access to mobile services. This policy significantly increased connectivity across the country.

5. Diplomatic Relations with Pakistan: In February 1999, Vajpayee made a historic bus journey to Lahore to meet with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. This gesture aimed at fostering peace between the two nations resulted in the Lahore Declaration, which emphasized dialogue and cooperation.

6. Handling of Kargil Conflict: Following the Kargil War in mid-1999, Vajpayee's leadership was crucial in managing national security and restoring peace. His government successfully repelled intrusions by Pakistani forces while maintaining diplomatic channels.

Image Source: rediff.com

Third Term as Prime Minister:1999–2004

Image Source: nyt.com

Vajpayee's third term began on October 13, 1999, after a decisive victory in the general elections. This term was characterized by continued economic growth and significant challenges.

Major Achievements:

1. Economic Growth: During this period, India experienced robust economic growth, with GDP growth rates reaching over 8%. The government focused on fiscal responsibility through measures like the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which aimed to reduce fiscal deficits.

2. Social Initiatives: The launch of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan aimed at providing universal access to elementary education for children aged 6-14 years. This initiative significantly improved literacy rates across India.

3. Infrastructure Projects: The government continued to invest in infrastructure development through projects like the National Highways Development Project, enhancing connectivity and promoting trade.

4. Foreign Policy Initiatives: Vajpayee sought to improve relations with major powers like the United States and worked towards resolving long-standing issues with Pakistan. His efforts included inviting Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf for talks in Agra in July 2001.

5. Response to Terrorism: In response to increasing terrorism threats, Vajpayee's government enacted the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) in 2002 to strengthen law enforcement capabilities against terrorism.

Positions held

Retirement

• In December 2005, Vajpayee announced that he would retire from active politics and not contest in the next general election. During the BJP's silver jubilee rally at Mumbai's Shivaji Park, he famously said that "Lal Krishna Advani and Pramod Mahajan will be the Ram-Lakshman," referring to the two revered brothers in Hindu mythology.
  

• Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh once called Vajpayee the "Bhishma Pitamah" of Indian politics in a speech in the Rajya Sabha, comparing him to the respected character in the Mahabharata who was honored by both sides in a conflict.
  

• In February 2009, Vajpayee was admitted to AIIMS in Delhi for a chest infection and fever. His condition worsened, and he was placed on a ventilator, but he eventually recovered and was discharged. Due to his poor health, he couldn't participate in the 2009 general election campaign but wrote a letter urging people to support the BJP. Despite the NDA losing in many parts of the country, Vajpayee's influence helped his close associate, Lalji Tandon, win the Lucknow seat, showing how Vajpayee's appeal across party lines contributed to this success.

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Awards and Honours

1. National Honours

Image Source: India TV News

2. Foreign Honours

3. Honorary Degree

4. Other Awards

Published works

Prose

• National Integration (1961)
• New Dimensions of India's Foreign Policy (1979)
• Gathbandhan Ki Rajniti
• Kuchh Lekh, Kuchh Bhashan (1996)
• Bindu-Bindu Vichar (1997)
• Decisive Days (1999)
• Sankalpakal (1999)
• Vichar-Bindu (Hindi Edition, 2000)
• India's Perspectives on ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific Region (2003)
• Na Dainyam Na Palayanam
• Nayi Chunauti : Naya Avasar

Poetry

• Qaidi Kaviraj Ki Kundaliyan
• Amar Aag Hai (1994)
• Meri Ikyavan Kavitaen (1995) – Some of these poems were set to music by Jagjit Singh for his album Samvedna.
• Kya Khoya Kya Paya: Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Vyaktitva Aur Kavitaen (1999)
• Values, Vision & Verses of Vajpayee: India's Man of Destiny (2001)
• Twenty-One Poems (2003)
• Chuni Hui Kavitaen (2012)
• An English translation of a selection of some of Vajpayee's Hindi poetry was published in 2013.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Recognitions

• 2004: Vajpayee was named one of the 100 Most Influential Persons by Time Magazine.
• 2012: Vajpayee was ranked number 9 in Outlook magazine's poll of The Greatest Indian.
• August 2018: Naya Raipur was renamed as Atal Nagar.
• October 2018: Four Himalayan peaks near Gangotri Glacier were named after him:
  • Atal I
  • Atal II
  • Atal III
  • Atal IV.

Death

• In 2009, Atal Bihari Vajpayee suffered a stroke that affected his speech. His health declined over the years, and he was often in a wheelchair, struggling to recognize people. He also suffered from dementia and long-term diabetes. For a long time, he stayed away from public events and rarely left his home, except for medical checkups at AIIMS.

• On 11 June 2018, Vajpayee was admitted to AIIMS in critical condition due to a kidney infection. He passed away on 16 August 2018 at the age of 93. Some reports suggested he might have died a day earlier.

• The next morning, his body, draped in the Indian flag, was taken to the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters, where people paid their respects. Later that day, Vajpayee was cremated with full state honors at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal near Raj Ghat. His foster daughter, Namita Kaul Bhattacharya, lit the funeral pyre. Thousands of people, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind, attended the funeral. On 19 August, his ashes were immersed in the Ganga River at Haridwar by his family.

Legacy

In 2014, the government led by Narendra Modi announced that Vajpayee's birthday, 25th December, would be celebrated as Good Governance Day. The Atal Tunnel, which is the longest tunnel in the world, located at Rohtang in Himachal Pradesh on the Leh-Manali Highway, was named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Atal Setu, the third-longest cable-stayed bridge in India, built over the Mandovi River, was also named in his honor. Additionally, the government of Chhattisgarh changed the name of Naya Raipur to Atal Nagar in his memory.

Conclusion

Atal Bihari Vajpayee's life journey is one of dedication to public service and unwavering commitment to national progress. From his early days as an activist to becoming one of India's most respected Prime Ministers, his contributions have left an indelible mark on Indian politics and society.

His ability to blend poetry with politics has inspired generations of leaders and citizens alike. As we reflect on his legacy, it becomes clear that Vajpayee's vision of a strong and inclusive India continues to guide us toward a brighter future.