Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 100th Birth Anniversary: PM Narendra Modi Pens Emotional Post, Shares Nostalgic Photos With Ex-PM

Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 100th Birth Anniversary: On the 100th Jayanti of Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the statesman whose leadership transformed India. PM Modi underlined Atal Ji's unwavering commitment to the nation's progress, calling him the "architect of India’s transition into the 21st century."

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Atal Ji, PM Modi noted, provided stability in an era marked by political uncertainty. "When he took oath as PM in 1998, our nation had passed through a period of political instability," wrote Prime Minister. 

PM Modi also shared that amidst multiple elections and growing scepticism, Atal Ji brought a new era of governance. His leadership not only spurred economic growth but also connected the nation like never before, with projects like the Golden Quadrilateral and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.

Advancing India’s Tech Landscape

PM Modi credited Atal Ji for his role in advancing India’s technological and educational landscape. 

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PM Modi wrote, “His era marked a gigantic leap in the world of Information Technology, telecom and communications. This was particularly important for a nation like ours, which is also blessed with a very dynamic Yuva Shakti. The NDA Government under Atal Ji made the first serious attempt to make technology accessible to the common citizens.” 

The World Was Stunned By Pokhran: PM Modi

One of the most defining moments of Atal Ji's tenure, according to PM Modi, was India's resolve in conducting the Pokhran tests in 1998. Despite the international backlash, Vajpayee stood firm, asserting India's right to safeguard its sovereignty while advocating for peace.

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“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 the 13th showed true leadership,”  PM wrote in his tribute. 

Atal Ji's leadership went beyond governance. PM Modi spoke of his deep connection to Indian culture and his ability to inspire through words, both as a poet and a statesman. 

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"He was not one to cling on to power through opportunistic means," PM remarked, citing his dignity in politics. On this special day, Modi urged the nation to rededicate itself to fulfilling Atal Ji's vision of "good governance, unity, and progress."