Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Atal Bihari Vajpayee
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an Indian politician who served as the 10th Prime Minister of India from 1998 to 2004. He is commonly known as Atalji.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, Vajpayee passed away on August 16, 2018, at the age of 93.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: Indian
Professions: Politician, Lawyer, Poet, Writer
Early Life and Background
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Vajpayee was born into a Brahmin family in Gwalior. His father, Krishna Bihari Vajpayee, was a lawyer, and his mother, Krishna Devi, was a homemaker. He was the eldest of three children. Vajpayee's early life was marked by a strong interest in poetry and writing. He began writing at the age of eight and published his first poem, "Sarv Dharm Samanvay," in 1937.
Major Accomplishments
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Vajpayee's political career spanned over five decades. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Member of Parliament (MP) for Lucknow from 1957 to 1962 and again from 1991 to 2004.
Minister of External Affairs from 1973 to 1975 under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) from 1989 to 1990.
Prime Minister of India for a total of six years, first from 1996-97 and then again from 1998-2004.
Notable Works or Actions
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Vajpayee was an accomplished writer and poet. He published several collections of poetry and essays, including "Meri Kahani" (My Story) and "Atalji ke Suvichar" (Quotations by Atal). As Prime Minister, he initiated several notable programs and policies, such as:
The Pokhran nuclear tests in 1998, which made India a nuclear power.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a coalition of right-wing parties that governed the country from 1998 to 2004.
Impact and Legacy
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Vajpayee's impact on Indian politics was significant. He played a key role in shaping the country's foreign policy, particularly during his tenure as Prime Minister. His commitment to democracy and good governance earned him respect both domestically and internationally.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Atal Bihari Vajpayee is widely quoted for his eloquent speeches and writings, which reflect his strong commitment to Indian values and democratic principles. His quotes continue to inspire and motivate people today.
Quotes by Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Neither India nor Russia perceives a threat from the strength of the other. Each sees a benefit for itself in the increased political and economic strength of the other.
If Pakistan had not accepted the demand to stop cross-border infiltration and the United States had not conveyed to us Pakistan's guarantee to do so, then nothing could have stopped a war.
India has a legitimate right to becoming a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.
If the elections are a mere fraud, why are terrorists being trained and infiltrated into India at the command of the Inter-Services Intelligence Agency of Pakistan to kill election candidates and to intimidate voters?
I am often accused of colluding with the British during the freedom struggle. I want to ask, how?
India has a consistent and well-known position on terrorism. We oppose all acts of terrorism, wherever they occur. We have repeatedly said that no cause can justify violence and destruction, particularly aimed at civilians.
Members of India's diaspora, living in distant lands of the world, my good wishes to all of you. You may be far away from India, but you are always close to our hearts.