In a ceremony rich with historical significance, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday unveiled portraits of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and renowned educationist Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya at the Delhi Legislative Assembly. He honoured both leaders as true statesmen whose lives offer a timeless guide for democratic conduct.
A Tribute to Integrity and Service
Addressing a gathering after the unveiling, Rajnath Singh reflected on the core values of public life. He emphasised that politics is not meant for the pursuit of power; it is a sacred trust of public service. He stated that democracy endures only when it is guided by unwavering integrity and character.
Singh elaborated that the lives of Vajpayee and Malaviya exemplified the highest standards of moral integrity, democratic responsibility, and national commitment. Their public conduct, he noted, continues to provide enduring lessons on ethical politics, unity of purpose, and the critical need to prioritize long-term national interest over short-term political gains.
Leaders as Guiding Lights for Modern India
The event was attended by Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, among other dignitaries. Speaker Gupta remarked that the portraits are not merely images on the walls but serve as guiding lights for India's present and future.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta paid rich tributes, stating that both leaders devoted their entire lives to nation-building. She highlighted that they lived the spirit of 'Nation First' and laid the foundational pillars of education, democratic values, and development that continue to shape modern India.
Launch of 'Bharat Mata' and the Path to Viksit Bharat
Accompanied by the Chief Minister, Defence Minister Singh also inaugurated a coffee table book titled 'Bharat Mata'. He described the occasion as a dual reaffirmation: a tribute to two great individuals and a recommitment to enduring values like ethical politics, education-led nation-building, parliamentary dignity, and selfless public service.
Referring to the book on their lives and contributions, CM Gupta said it would be a valuable resource for students, researchers, and policymakers. She stressed that remembering such luminaries and following their path is essential to realizing the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Concluding his address, Rajnath Singh affirmed a central message: The lives of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya affirm that democracy flourishes when guided by integrity, character, and a steadfast commitment to the nation.
