Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday released the coffee table book “Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman”, describing it as a fitting tribute to Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his enduring legacy.
The book, authored by Vijay Goel, was unveiled at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi in the presence of several dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said the occasion was both an honour and an emotional moment. He remarked that the publication was more than a collection of photographs, calling it a celebration of a statesman whose life continues to inspire the nation. He noted that Vajpayee’s journey from parliamentarian to Prime Minister exemplified the strength and vibrancy of Indian democracy.
Recalling his personal association with Vajpayee, V-P Radhakrishnan said he had the privilege of serving as a Member of the 12th and 13th Lok Sabha during Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister. He also shared memories of organising a public meeting addressed by Vajpayee in Coimbatore in 1974, describing it as a formative and inspiring experience in his public life.
The Vice-President highlighted key milestones of Vajpayee’s leadership, including the Pokhran nuclear tests and major infrastructure initiatives such as the Delhi Metro. He observed that Vajpayee demonstrated that strength and sensitivity could coexist in leadership, consistently upholding dialogue, democracy and development as guiding principles.
Describing Vajpayee as a poet, visionary and parliamentarian par excellence, V-P Radhakrishnan said he possessed the rare ability to disagree without being disagreeable – a quality essential in public life. He added that Vajpayee earned respect across party lines for his integrity, inclusive approach and dignified conduct, even during intense political contestation.
Appreciating Vijay Goel for curating the coffee table book, the Vice-President said the work preserves history as living memory through rare photographs, personal anecdotes and archival material. He expressed hope that the book would inspire younger generations to embrace the ideals of national unity, democracy and social harmony.
Among those present at the event were Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, former Union Minister Murli Manohar Joshi and other distinguished guests.
