Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, has emphatically stated that the foundation for modern India's remarkable development trajectory was laid by the visionary leadership of former Prime Minister, the late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Vice President made these poignant remarks during a solemn ceremony held at 'Sadaiv Atal', the memorial of the beloved leader, on the occasion of Vajpayee's 99th birth anniversary, which is celebrated nationwide as 'Good Governance Day'.
A Tribute to Visionary Leadership and Good Governance
Paying his heartfelt respects, Vice President Dhankhar highlighted that Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure as Prime Minister was a golden era marked by decisive and forward-thinking policies that propelled the nation onto a new path. He underscored that Vajpayee's unique brand of leadership, which combined political acumen with profound humanism, created a governance model that continues to inspire.
The Vice President specifically pointed to landmark initiatives that emerged from Vajpayee's vision. He credited the former PM for envisioning and implementing critical infrastructure projects that connected the nation like never before. Furthermore, Dhankhar noted that Vajpayee's bold decisions in the realm of national security and economic policy demonstrated a courage of conviction that defined his premiership and secured India's future.
The Pillars of Vajpayee's Developmental Legacy
The Vice President elaborated on the concrete pillars of development established during Vajpayee's administration. He emphasized that these were not mere projects but strategic foundations for a 21st-century India.
First, the monumental Golden Quadrilateral highway network, which interconnected the four major metropolitan cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, revolutionized road transport and logistics, boosting commerce and connectivity across the country.
Second, the pivotal Pokhran-II nuclear tests of 1998, conducted under Vajpayee's steadfast leadership, which unequivocally established India as a nuclear power and significantly strengthened its strategic defense posture and sovereign standing in the world.
Third, the groundbreaking Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), launched in 2001, which was a historic effort to universalize elementary education and provided a massive impetus to improving literacy and educational infrastructure nationwide.
An Enduring Inspiration for Contemporary India
Vice President Dhankhar reflected that Atal Bihari Vajpayee's legacy transcends political lines and serves as a guiding light for the nation's ongoing progress. His philosophy of 'India First' and his ability to build consensus are seen as vital lessons in today's political landscape.
The ceremony at Sadaiv Atal was a dignified event, with the Vice President performing a floral tribute in honor of the departed leader. He was accompanied by senior officials during this visit. By commemorating Vajpayee's birth anniversary as Good Governance Day, the nation reaffirms its commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusive development that he championed.
In conclusion, the Vice President's tribute reinforces the belief that Atal Bihari Vajpayee's statesmanship provided the crucial blueprint for the modern, assertive, and developing India that continues to evolve today. His vision and values remain deeply embedded in the nation's journey toward becoming a global power.
