Vice-President Releases Book on Atal Vajpayee’s Vision

The Vice-President of India on Monday released the book “Sanatan Sanskriti Ki Atal Drishti” at the Vice-President’s Enclave in New Delhi, marking a significant literary tribute during the centenary birth anniversary year of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The book has been authored by Vasudev Devnani, Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, and reflects on the civilisational and cultural vision associated with Vajpayee’s life and leadership.

Book Release and Context of the Event

The book was released by C P Radhakrishnan, who congratulated the author and described the work as timely and meaningful. He noted that the publication gains added relevance as the nation commemorates 100 years since the birth of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose ideas continue to influence India’s political and governance discourse.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a Leader and Institution

The Vice-President said Vajpayee was not merely an individual but an institution whose life embodied principled politics and value-based leadership. Recalling his personal association with Vajpayee, he spoke about learning from him as a Member of Parliament during the 12th and 13th Lok Sabhas. He also shared memories from the Jan Sangh period, including organising a major public meeting for Vajpayee in Coimbatore before the Emergency.

Nation-Building and Strategic Vision

Highlighting Vajpayee’s role in shaping modern India, the Vice-President referred to the successful nuclear tests at Pokhran in May 1998 under Operation Shakti, which demonstrated India’s strategic confidence. He also recalled Vajpayee’s slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan,” which reflected his integrated vision of security, agriculture and science in national development.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Atal Bihari Vajpayee was Prime Minister of India during the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests.
• Operation Shakti refers to India’s nuclear tests conducted in May 1998.
• Vajpayee’s birth anniversary is observed as Good Governance Day.
• He played a key role in the creation of Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand.

Governance Reforms and Inclusive Development

The Vice-President underlined Vajpayee’s emphasis on good governance and inclusive growth. He referred to landmark initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, the Golden Quadrilateral Project and reforms in the power sector. He also highlighted the creation of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs as a reflection of Vajpayee’s commitment to marginalised communities. Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Bhagirath Choudhary, along with other dignitaries, were present at the event.