Today is first death anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The BJP stalwart had breathed his last on this day last year. Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as the Prime Minister for three times. His first term was for only 13 days in 1996. He served his second term for a period of eleven months from 1998 to 1999 and then a full term from 1999 to 2004. He was awarded India’s highest civilian honour – Bharat Ratna – in 2015. AIR correspondent reports that many functions have been planned across the country in memory of the great leader.
President Ramnath Kovind today paid floral tribute to the tombstone to late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpaee at Sadaiv Atal Memorial. Prime Narendra Modi also paid homage to late former Prime Minister in a prayer meeting held on his first death anniversary in New Delhi. Union Minister Amit Shah, Dr Harshvardhan, Dharmendra Pradhan and other leaders also paid homage.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is the tallest leader of BJP, has left behind a rich legacy which will be remembered as well as cherished for years to come. His legacy comprises forward looking economic policies, massive infrastructure projects and development of national highways.
It was under his leadership that India successfully conducted Pokhran-II nuclear tests and cemented its position as a nuclear state in 1998. Born on 25th December 1924, in Gwalior, he rose to eminence as an erudite politician.
As a foreign minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the first person to speak in Hindi in the United Nations in 1977. His personality had many facets – he was a forceful orator, a writer, poet, a selfless social worker, journalist, but more than anything else, he was a leader among leaders.
";