Lucknow, Dec 24: At the inaugural ceremony of the ‘Atal Yuva Mahakumbh,’ organized to mark the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday shared fond memories and reflections on the extraordinary leadership of the former Prime Minister. He emphasized that Vajpayee’s life and ideology continue to inspire generations today.
Rajnath Singh praised Atalji’s profound impact, recalling how his leadership style left an indelible mark on the world. He spoke highly of Vajpayee’s connection with Lucknow, calling the city dear to his heart and highlighting the strong bond he shared with its people. Singh also recounted a memorable moment during Vajpayee’s visit to Pakistan, where a woman journalist jokingly asked him for Kashmir as dowry. Atalji, with his characteristic wit, responded, “I’m ready if you give me the whole of Pakistan as dowry,” showcasing his sharp humour and brilliant mind.
The Defence Minister also shared his personal experiences of working with Atalji in the Cabinet, describing the former Prime Minister’s paternal affection and the iconic speech he delivered after his government fell by a single vote. Singh quoted Vajpayee’s powerful words, “Governments may come and go, parties may rise and fall, but the nation and its democracy must always be safeguarded,” which he said perfectly encapsulated Vajpayee’s vision and principles.
Singh also commended the cultural performances and tableaux by children, which highlighted key moments from Atalji’s life. He hailed these as an inspiration for the youth, encouraging them to draw lessons from Vajpayee’s contributions and values.
In his address, Singh also lauded Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his leadership and efforts in transforming the state. He noted that under CM Adityanath’s visionary governance, Uttar Pradesh is witnessing remarkable progress and fulfilling the dreams of Atalji for a developed and prosperous state.
