Atal Bihari Vajpayee earned respect through deeds, not power: Rajnath Singh

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 24 (ANI): On the eve of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 101st birth anniversary, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described him as a leader who earned respect not because of power or position but due to his deeds, character and lifelong commitment to values.
Addressing the Ekal Kaviya Path programme in Lucknow, Rajnath Singh said, "There are people who are honoured not for their position or power, but for their deeds and character, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee was one such person... He was a man of charismatic character whose life journey resonated with many..."
The Defence Minister recalled that Atal Bihari ji kept poetry alive amid noise and commotion, winning people's hearts through its depth. "When he was in the 10th grade, he wrote his first poem, 'Hindu Tan Man' In 1982, a programme was held at Kalicharan College. When he recited this poem, the entire auditorium echoed with applause," he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on December 25 (Thursday) to mark the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, according to an official release.
At around 2:30 PM, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Rashtra Prerna Sthal and also address a public gathering on the occasion.
Driven by the vision of Prime Minister Modi to honour the legacy of luminaries of independent India, Rashtra Prerna Sthal will serve as a tribute to the life, ideals, and enduring legacy of one of India's most revered statesmen, whose leadership left a profound impact on the nation's democratic, political, and developmental journey.
Rashtra Prerna Sthal has been developed as a landmark national memorial and inspirational complex of enduring national significance. Constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 230 crore and spread across an expansive area of 65 acres, the complex is envisioned as a permanent national asset dedicated to fostering leadership values, national service, cultural consciousness, and public inspiration.
The complex features 65-feet-high bronze statues of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, symbolising their seminal contributions to India's political thought, nation-building, and public life. It also houses a state-of-the-art museum designed in the form of a lotus-shaped structure, spread over approximately 98,000 square feet.
The inauguration of Rashtra Prerna Sthal marks an important step in preserving and promoting the ideals of selfless leadership and good governance and is expected to serve as a source of inspiration for present and future generations. (ANI)