Atal Vajpayee Shaped Modern, Confident India: VP Radhakrishnan
C P Radhakrishnan hails former PM’s legacy at birth centenary event in Indore
- Vice-President recalls Atal Vajpayee’s principled, compassionate leadership
- Says Atal elevated public discourse with dignity and grace
- Highlights Vajpayee’s role in governance reforms and nation-building
- Statue of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar unveiled at Daly College
GG News Bureau
Indore, 21st Dec: Vice-President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday described Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the architect of a modern, confident India, saying his life and leadership demonstrated that politics could be both principled and compassionate.
Addressing the Birth Centenary celebrations of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Indore, organised by the Atal Foundation, the Vice-President recalled a couplet from the Tamil classic Thirukkural to underline that greatness is defined by one’s actions. He said Vajpayee was “a mission in himself,” who remained steadfast — truly Atal — in his commitment to values and national interest.
Radhakrishnan said Vajpayee will always be remembered as a statesman, administrator, parliamentarian, poet and, above all, a great human being. He noted that Vajpayee believed deeply in dialogue, inclusive development and strong yet humane governance, and elevated public discourse with dignity and grace. “That is why his birth anniversary is observed as Good Governance Day,” he said.
Sharing personal recollections, the Vice-President said Vajpayee was always accessible to Members of Parliament and open to suggestions from across the political spectrum. He cited the creation of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand during Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister as a farsighted decision aimed at improving governance and administrative efficiency.
Highlighting Vajpayee’s contribution to nation-building, Radhakrishnan referred to landmark initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and the Golden Quadrilateral project. He also recalled the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, saying Vajpayee’s leadership firmly established India as a confident and self-reliant nation.
The Vice-President said Vajpayee’s vision is being carried forward under the leadership of Narendra Modi, who is steering the country towards the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047. He also recalled Vajpayee’s deep association with Tamil Nadu and his respect for linguistic diversity and cultural plurality, which earned him admiration across political and ideological lines.
Describing Vajpayee as a towering personality who shaped modern India with integrity and intellect, Radhakrishnan said his life reminds the nation that leadership is not about authority, but about service and responsibility to the people.
On the occasion, the Vice-President also unveiled the statue of Ahilyabai Holkar at the Daly College premises. He described Ahilyabai Holkar as a visionary ruler who dedicated her life selflessly to public welfare. He congratulated Indore for consistently ranking as the cleanest city in the country, calling it a reflection of strong civic responsibility.
Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, and other dignitaries were present at the event.
