On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and MP of Dibrugarh LSC, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal paid tribute to the late leader at a prayer meeting held at the Tarun Sangha Sports Ground in Hatimura in Dibrugarh.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted Vajpayee’s leadership qualities, saying, “Atal Ji was a great leader who taught us the values of unity, service, dedication, and humanity. His exemplary leadership paved the way for us to serve the nation with unwavering commitment. His ideals continue to inspire us as we work to strengthen India’s future.”
Shri Sonowal recalled Vajpayee’s unwavering dedication to good governance and the welfare of the people, adding, “Atal Ji’s commitment to the principles of good governance won the hearts of the masses. His leadership inspired the creation of a peaceful and prosperous India. It is in his footsteps that we must move forward, ensuring that the welfare of the people remains at the core of our efforts.”
The Union Minister also drew a comparison between Vajpayee’s leadership and that of the current Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. “Following Vajpayee Ji’s legacy, Prime Minister Shri Modi has created an environment of good governance in India. Under his leadership, India’s global stature has grown, with the world now looking to us for guidance on important international issues,” Shri Sonowal said.
He further emphasised the importance of building a self-reliant and developed India, with a call for collective effort to achieve this vision by 2047. “As citizens of the world’s largest democracy, we have a responsibility to carry forward the ideals of Vajpayee Ji—peace, prosperity, and the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ where the world is one family.”
Shri Sonowal also spoke about Vajpayee’s belief that true happiness in politics comes from serving the people selflessly. “Vajpayee Ji believed that through good deeds in politics, one could bring joy and happiness to the people. His life was a testament to this philosophy, and we must all embrace this simplicity and dedication to public service,” he added.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Rituparna Baruah, Chairman of Assam Tourism Development Corporation, Bikul Deka, Chairman of Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited, DibMayor Chaikat Patra, Deputy Mayor Ujjwal Phukan, and other prominent figures from the state.
Shri Sonowal urged the youth of India to uphold Vajpayee’s values of simplicity, service, and sacrifice in their pursuit of a prosperous nation. “Only through dedication to the nation can we truly honor the spirit of Atal Bihari Vajpayee,” he concluded.
