The centenary celebrations of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee commenced on Tuesday with the inauguration of the Atal Swasthya Mela in Lucknow, setting the stage for a series of commemorative events.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, speaking to ANI, remarked, “Various programs are being organized in Lucknow as we approach the 100th birth anniversary of the revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Atal Swasthya Mela is the first of many such events.”
In the evening, a special tribute program titled Atal Geet Ganga will be held, featuring Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as the chief guests. The evening will also see renowned poet Kumar Vishwas pay homage to Vajpayee through his songs.
The BJP Minority Front has announced plans to commemorate Vajpayee’s birth anniversary on December 25, celebrated nationwide as Good Governance Day.
Jamal Siddiqui, National President of the BJP Minority Front, shared that Atal Smriti Sabhas will be held at booths across cities, where floral tributes will be paid and Vajpayee’s poetry will be recited by the youth.
These gatherings will also highlight Vajpayee’s contributions as a founding leader of the BJP and his tenure as Prime Minister.
Discussions will include his government’s achievements, as well as the ongoing developmental work under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Preparations for the celebrations were discussed in a virtual meeting attended by state in-charges, presidents, general secretaries, and senior BJP officials.
National General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam, who oversees the Morcha, contributed to the planning and coordination efforts.
BJP State General Secretary Trilok Kapoor announced that tributes to Vajpayee will be paid by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other dignitaries at a ceremony in Delhi.
Kapoor further shared that, in honor of Vajpayee’s centenary year, year-long programs will be held.
As a tribute to the former PM’s contributions, such as the Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana, participants will walk along rural roads to symbolize the transformation in connectivity brought about by the scheme.
Schools and colleges will also hold poetry recitations and other events based on Vajpayee’s works.
The centenary celebrations promise to be a nationwide homage to the legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose visionary leadership continues to inspire.
(With an input from ANI)
