As we reminisce about the life and achievements of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a revered Ratna of Bharat, on his hundredth jayanti, we realise how much our public life misses the presence of a colossus who strode the country’s political landscape, much like a “philosopher king”. Vajpayee ji remained “Atal” or unmoved in terms of his commitment to his ideological beliefs, core values and convictions. Celebrated for his leadership, generosity of spirit, fiery nationalism, oratory, literary prowess, and visionary approach as a prime minister, Atal ji’s legacy transcends politics. There can be no doubt that his statesmanship and multifaceted personality have left an indelible mark on India’s progress and the shaping of its future, as much as they have impacted my journey in public life.
Memory takes me back to the early ’60s when I used to go around my home town of Nellore in a tonga or horse-drawn carriage of the time, announcing Atal ji’s imminent impending visit. He lavished love and affection upon me from those early days unceasingly, guiding and teaching me. It was my privilege to have been mentored by one of the stalwarts of modern Bharat whom we fondly referred to in our early days as “Tharuna Hriday Samrat”, a leader with a young heart. This attribute remained a constant till his very last breath.
As we celebrate Good Governance Day, marking Atal ji’s jayanti, let us remember his approach to governance which hinged on the concept of “surajya” or “sushasan” as the cornerstone of a people-centric model that would drive development. Atal ji was indeed right in stressing upon governance reforms which would stretch development to the last mile reaching the last man on the lowest rung of the nation’s socioeconomic ladder. Like him, I believe that people-centric services like healthcare, education, water supply, sanitation, electricity, security and safety lie at the heart of a responsive governance model.
As a young man, meeting Atal ji proved a turning point in my life. I looked up to him as my mentor and role model in many ways. It was Atal ji who invited me to join his Cabinet as Minister for Rural Development, a portfolio of my choice. Again, it was Atal ji who proposed my name for the presidency of the Bharatiya Janata Party, reposing his unflinching faith in me. I have had the privilege of working closely with Atal ji for many years and admired from close quarters the many facets of his magnetic personality including the leader and humanist in him. Like millions of his admirers, I was always spellbound by his powerful oratory and deeply impressed by his unimpeachable integrity and fiery nationalism — traits which I sought to imbibe from him.
Atalji believed in development with a human face. Like Mahatma Gandhi, his vision of the ideal state or the Ram Rajya, was one without inequalities and injustices of any kind. As Atal ji had envisioned, I believe that accountability is one of the most critical features of good governance which extends to other key facets such as rule of law, efficiency, responsiveness, sound financial management, ethical conduct, human rights, diversity and building competent institutions.
Atal ji’s career spanned over six decades, during the course of which he was ably supported by his close friend and co-founder of the BJP, L K Advani. Atal ji’s journey in public life was marked by his unyielding commitment to the nation and his extraordinary ability to inspire and unite people across various social and political divides. His early association with the RSS shaped his ideology, which was deeply rooted in nationalism, a belief in Bharat’s cultural heritage, and a vision of a prosperous and strong nation. His association with the BJP, which he helped shape and lead, brought him to the centre-stage of Indian politics.
Let us not forget that of his 65 years of active public life till 2009, Atal ji spent about 56 years in the Opposition ranks. Yet he conducted himself with tremendous dignity and composure, earning praise for his constructive criticism as a young member in the Opposition from Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Atal ji was the Minister of External Affairs in the Morarji government and later became Prime Minister thrice. As Minister of External Affairs and later as Prime Minister, he succeeded in improving relations with our neighbours expeditiously lending a new approach to our diplomacy which won him all-round praise. Atal ji famously declared that “We can change friends, but not neighbours,” exemplifying his statesmanship in the realm of foreign policy.
Atal ji’s leadership was defined by his ability to blend pragmatism with idealism. By common consensus, it was his government’s emphasis on infrastructure development, especially roads and telecommunications, which laid the groundwork for India’s economic transformation.
Atal ji’s leadership saw impressive economic growth, strengthened infrastructure, and enhanced Bharat’s stature on the global stage. His vision revolved around building a foundation for long-term progress.
It was Atal ji who envisioned the “Mission Connect India” by radically re-scripting the contours of various core sectors like telecom, infrastructure including national highways and rural roads, private sector participation, disinvestment, etc. He proved to be a remarkable reformer and added “Jai Vigyan” to Shastri ji’s slogan of “Jai Jawan-Jai Kisan” underscoring his sense of the power of knowledge in contemporary times.
Atal ji could be exceptionally soft and gentle, but could show toughness when required. For instance, Pokhran-II and the Kargil conflict saw his display of firmness. These critical decisions at the time demonstrated India’s self-reliance and strategic autonomy, while simultaneously conveying a message of strength and resolve to the world.
There can be no greater symbol of the values of tolerance, secularism, and social justice than Atal ji. With exemplary broad-mindedness, he would reach out to political opponents and critics, earning him respect even from those who disagreed with his ideology.
Atal ji’s eloquence and wit were marked by an ability to communicate complex ideas in simple yet profound ways. He connected with the masses in an instant with his mastery over the language, in speeches laced with humour. Atal ji was also an accomplished poet and writer whose literary works included numerous poems and essays, mirroring his deep understanding of Bharat’s culture, its challenges, and the hopes and aspirations of its people.
Atal ji’s legacy as a statesman is defined by his unwavering dedication to the nation’s welfare, and his determination to build a stronger, more self-reliant Bharat. He will go down in history as a multi-faceted genius — a statesman, poet, thinker, humanist, orator, visionary and a highly popular leader with charismatic appeal.
The writer is former Vice President of India
As we celebrate Good Governance Day, marking Atal ji’s jayanti, let us remember his approach to governance which hinged on the concept of “surajya” or “sushasan” as the cornerstone of a people-centric model that would drive development. (Express Archives) 
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