Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, dedicated to the life and ideals of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, marking his 101st birth anniversary.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the Rashtra Prerna Sthal symbolises a vision that guided India towards self-respect, unity and service. He said collective effort, or Sabka Prayas, would help realise the goal of a developed India.
Extending Christmas greetings to the nation and the world, the Prime Minister noted that millions of Christian families in India are celebrating the festival and expressed hope that it brings happiness to all.
Highlighting the significance of December 25, the Prime Minister recalled the birth anniversaries of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Bharat Ratna Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya, and Maharaja Bijli Pasi, paying tribute to their contributions to India’s unity, identity and nation-building.
The Prime Minister said the newly inaugurated site stands on land that earlier housed a large garbage dump spread over more than 30 acres, which has been completely cleared over the past three years. He congratulated the workers, planners and the Uttar Pradesh government for transforming the area into a modern national memorial.
Referring to the contributions of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Prime Minister said their ideals continue to inspire the country. He recalled Dr Mookerjee’s role in strengthening India’s unity and said the abrogation of Article 370 ensured full implementation of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Prime Minister said Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s vision of Antyodaya has been given a new dimension through saturation of welfare schemes, ensuring that benefits reach every eligible citizen without discrimination. He said crores of people have received houses, toilets, tap water connections, electricity, free ration and healthcare over the past decade.
Referring to social security initiatives, the Prime Minister said coverage has expanded significantly, with nearly 95 crore people now included under various schemes, compared to about 25 crore before 2014. He highlighted the impact of insurance schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.
The Prime Minister also credited Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government for laying the foundation of digital identity, telecom reforms, highway expansion and metro connectivity. He said India has emerged as the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, with Uttar Pradesh becoming the leading manufacturing state.
Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s transformation, the Prime Minister said the state is now recognised for development, infrastructure and tourism, with projects such as expressways, defence manufacturing corridors and the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya shaping its new identity.
Governor of Uttar Pradesh Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Pankaj Chaudhary, and other dignitaries were present at the event.
