PM Modi offers homage (PTI image)
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tributes to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 101st birth anniversary at the ‘Sadaiv Atal’ memorial. Viajpayee, who is also a Bharat Ratna recipient is one of India’s most respected leaders remembered for his conduct, dignity and unwavering commitment to national interest. In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote, “The birth anniversary of the esteemed Atal Ji is a special occasion for all of us to draw inspiration from his life. His conduct, dignity, ideological steadfastness, and resolve to place the nation’s interest above all serve as an ideal standard for Indian politics. Through his life, he demonstrated that excellence is established not by position, but by conduct, and it is that which guides society.”
Several other leaders also paid tribute to the former PM, whose birthday is observed as Good Governance Day. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Minister JP Nadda, BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and other dignitaries offered floral tributes at the memorial. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Lucknow later in the day to inaugurate the Rashtra Prerna Sthal and address a public gathering. Spread over 65 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 230 crore, the memorial honours towering figures of independent India, including Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. A key highlight is the installation of 65-foot-high bronze statues, alongside a state-of-the-art, lotus-shaped museum spanning nearly 98,000 square feet, showcasing India’s national journey and the contributions of these visionary leaders.Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a founding member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), served as India’s Prime Minister three times, briefly in 1996 and then from 1998 to 2004. He was born on December 25, 1924 in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. He passed away on 16 August 2018 at AIIMS, Delhi, at the age of 93. His birthday is observed annually as Good Governance Day to honour his commitment to principled leadership and public service. Go to Source