Today, we remember Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India's 10th Prime Minister, on his death anniversary—a statesman who balanced smile and anger, love and hate, embrace and warning in defense of Indian interests and values. He opposed the Emergency, upheld the highest moral standards, and served the nation with unwavering honesty and integrity. By being both friendly and firm, he ensured India's interests were always safeguarded. Read on to learn how he made Indian interests a top priority.
A Man with Values
In today's world, holding onto power by any means is often considered an achievement, but Atal Bihari Vajpayee never subscribed to this view. He was a man of principles. During his third term as Prime Minister, Vajpayee resigned from his post on April 17, 1999, after losing a vote of confidence in the Lok Sabha by just one vote. As a BJP leader with deep RSS roots, he always stood by the truth. Even during the Emergency in 1976, when Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister, he instructed his party's student organization, ABVP, to apologize to her for acts of vandalism.
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Atal Bihari Vajpayee
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Fire in the Desert
Under Atal Bihari Vajpayee's leadership, India conducted its second nuclear test, Pokhran-II. Undeterred by pressure from the USA and the West, he proceeded with the tests. A series of five nuclear weapon tests were conducted at the Pokhran test range in Rajasthan, making India a fully-fledged nuclear state under his leadership. Every step he took was to ensure that no one dared to cast an evil eye on India.
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Pokhran-II test preparations
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Fight against Illegal Occupation
India engaged in a high-octane war with Pakistan after the latter's army, disguised as militants, infiltrated Indian territory and attempted to capture strategic positions on the Indian side of the Line of Control. Atal Bihari Vajpayee ordered Indian troops to take any necessary steps to reclaim the occupied land, leading to the Kargil War. This significant chapter in Indian history unfolded under Vajpayee's leadership.
Victorious Indian Army After Kargil War
Diplomacy for Peace
Despite being criticized as an RSS man and portrayed by the West as someone who disliked Pakistan, Vajpayee cared little for such views. He consistently sought friendly relations with all of India's neighbours, including Pakistan. In this spirit, he launched the Delhi-Kashmiri Gate to Lahore bus service on February 20, 1999. Vajpayee always believed in 'Insaniyat' (humanity) above all else and practised it with his heart and soul.
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Delhi- Lahore Bus Agreement
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Attack on Indian Parliament and Terrorist Act
Following the failed attack on the Indian Parliament by Pakistan-backed terrorists in 2001, Vajpayee introduced the Prevention of Terrorism Act, successfully passing it in both houses of the Indian Parliament.
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Indian Parliament (Old)
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Bharat Ratna
Vajpayee never bowed to the enemy and served India with utmost love and dedication, which is why he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, on March 27, 2015.
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Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee
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The Bharat Ratna, forever!