Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, also known as ABV, was one of the most revered Indian politicians of the 20th century. Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, he was the tenth Prime Minister of India and served for three terms from 1996 to 2004.
Vajpayee was widely respected and admired for his statesmanship, oratory skills, and his ability to build consensus among political factions. He was a prominent and iconic figure who devoted his life to serving his people, his party and his country.
Early Life and Education
Vajpayee’s father, Krishna Bihari Vajpayee, was a school teacher. Vajpayee completed his early education from Gwalior and went on to complete his bachelor’s degree in Hindi, Sanskrit and English from Victoria College, Gwalior.
In 1942, he became a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization. He was heavily influenced by its ideology and participated in many of its activities.
Vajpayee was an excellent communicator and a fluent writer. He became an editor of the daily “Panchjanya” and also started his own magazine, “Rashtradharma,” which were platforms for propagating the RSS ideology.
Entry into Politics
Vajpayee’s active involvement in politics began when he contested in the 1951 Lok Sabha elections as a candidate of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS). The BJS was a political party that was founded in 1951 and was a right-wing political party that advocated for Hindutva, cultural nationalism, and a market-based economy.
In 1957, Vajpayee was elected to the Lok Sabha from Balrampur constituency in Uttar Pradesh. He was then appointed as the leader of the BJS in Parliament. He continued to be associated with the BJS and its successor, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), throughout his political career.
Political and Diplomatic Career
As a parliamentarian, Vajpayee was known for his various speeches and debates. He became the External Affairs Minister in the Janata Party government formed after the Emergency in 1977.
During his tenure as External Affairs Minister, Vajpayee worked to improve India’s relationships with other countries. He was instrumental in the signing of the Shimla Agreement in 1972 with Pakistan, which outlined the steps to be taken to normalize relations after the 1971 war.
In 1980, the BJP was formed, and Vajpayee became its first President. After several failed attempts, he became the Prime Minister for the first time in 1996. However, his government lasted only for 13 days due to a lack of majority.
In 1998, he led the BJP to a stunning victory in the Lok Sabha elections and became the Prime Minister for the second time. During his tenure, India conducted a series of nuclear tests at Pokhran, Rajasthan, which further enhanced India’s strategic and global standing.
Vajpayee was also known for his foreign policy initiatives, which improved India’s relationships with other countries. His visit to the United States in September 2000 helped to end the long-standing mistrust and difference between the two countries.
In 2003, he started the India-Pakistan peace process by extending his hands of friendship with then Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf. He also initiated important peace talks with China, which resulted in agreements on the border, trade, and cultural exchange.
In 2004, after the BJP lost the Lok Sabha elections, Vajpayee announced his retirement from active politics.
Awards, Recognitions and Legacy
Vajpayee was a recipient of several prestigious awards and recognitions. He was conferred with the Padma Vibhushan in 1992 and the Bharat Ratna in 2015, India’s highest civilian awards.
Vajpayee was also a prolific writer and has authored several books, including “Atal Bihari Vajpayee: A Man of All Seasons”, “India's External Relations: A Study” and “Kucha Lakhnawi Nuskha-e-Taza”. His writing was widely praised for its eloquence and depth of knowledge.
Vajpayee's legacy is significant, specially in Indian politics. He was known as a consensus builder and was respected even by his political opponents. His visionary leadership saw a significant reduction in corruption and a push for accountability from politicians, thus, making him one of the most revered leaders of India's political history.
His poetry was well-known too, with his most famous work being “Geet Naya Gata Hoon”. The poem was an embodiment of the way he viewed life: always striving to do better and achieve greater heights.
Final Thoughts
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a true statesman who dedicated his life to the service of his country. He was an inspiration to many, and his legacy will live on for generations to come. His leadership qualities, especially, the way he managed to keep his party together, even in difficult times, is a testament to his personal charisma, leadership, and perseverance.
Through his speeches, writing, and work, Vajpayee inspired an entire generation of Indians. His work towards promoting peace and harmony with other countries, along with his emphasis on economic growth and development, has transformed India into the emerging global power that it is today.
In conclusion, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a great leader who left an indelible mark on Indian history, politics and society. His contributions will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.