India marked the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Thursday, December 25, 2025, with leaders across the country paying homage to the statesman known for his dignity, wit, and principled politics.
In New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered floral tributes at the Sadaiv Atal memorial, describing Vajpayee’s life as an enduring inspiration. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, BJP leaders J.P. Nadda and Nitin Nabin, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also joined the ceremony, highlighting the cross-party respect Vajpayee commanded.
The Sadaiv Atal memorial, spanning 65 acres, features bronze statues and a lotus-shaped museum celebrating the contributions of India’s post-independence leaders, with Vajpayee at its centre. Born in Gwalior in 1924, Vajpayee served as India’s prime minister three times between 1996 and 2004 and passed away in 2018 at the age of 93.
During the event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared a personal anecdote illustrating Vajpayee’s humour and charm. He recalled how, during a visit to Pakistan, a woman jokingly asked Vajpayee if he would marry her in exchange for Kashmir. Vajpayee reportedly quipped that he would only consider it if Pakistan came as dowry, reflecting his quick wit and diplomatic grace. Singh praised Vajpayee’s speeches for blending sharp insight with respect and noted that his poetic touch enriched his political vision.
Across the country, leaders and citizens remembered Vajpayee not just as a political figure but as a unifying force whose vision, compassion, and commitment to India’s progress continue to inspire generations. His legacy of moral leadership, consensus-building, and eloquent expression remains a benchmark in Indian politics.
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