A leader for the ages – ahead of his times

In times of turbulence and In times of turbulence and  disruption, a nation is  blessed to have a leader who rises to become its moral compass and guiding spirit, providing vision, cohesion and direction to his people. And, in such a moment at the turn of the century, India found one in AtalBihari Vajpayee, who was gifted in spirit, heart and mind. Orator without parallel, he could switch from disarming humour to a lofty vision with ease, with a rare ability to connect with people naturally, to stir them to self-belief and to a higher cause. Sharply perceptive, he could summarize the most complex issues and discussions in a single sentence or question.Born into a family of modest means and high ideals, he hailed from a small town in Madhya Pradesh. His youth was defined by academic excellence and quest for public service during the gathering momentum of freedom struggle. Starting as an ordinary Karyakartain the Jana Sangh, he organized the only truly national-level party to be formed in independent India – the BJP – and helmed its organization work after the passing away of ShriSyama Prasad Mookerjee and PanditDeendayalUpadhyaya.Through the four decades of leadership in Parliament, the struggle against Emergency (who can forget that memorable rally in Delhi’s RamlilaMaidan when his speech became the roar of the nation), the clarity to represent his party with passion but always speak for the nation, he defined the spirit of democracy in India.  Firm in his political beliefs, but always accommodating and respectful of other points of view, he set the standards of debate in Parliament. In his simplicity and integrity, in his dignity and empathy, and a sense of personal non-attachment to the office, he became an inspiration for a nation of youth.For him, growth was a means to empower the weakest and mainstream the marginalized. It’s that vision that continues to drive our government’s policy.It was AtalJi who prepared the foundations of an India that is ready to take on the mantle of global leadership in the 21st century. He transformed five decades of estrangement with USA into an enduring strategic partnership in the course of five years. He also steered India to deep friendship with a new post-Soviet Russia through a strategic partnership in 2000. I had the privilege of accompanying him on a visit to Russia in November 2001 when we concluded a sister province agreement between Gujarat and Astrakhan. With China, he made the boldest move for peace in an effort to overcome the burdens of a difficult past by establishing the mechanism of Special Representatives for boundary talks. AtalJi’s conviction that these two ancient civilisations – which are rising powers – can work together to shape the global future continues to guide my thinking.A person of grassroots, our neighbours were his priority.  In many ways, he was the inspiration for, and even pioneer of, our Neighbourhood First policy. Personally, AtalJi was an ideal, a Guru, and role model who inspired me deeply. It was he who entrusted me with responsibilities both in Gujarat as well as at the national level. It was he who called me one evening in October 2001, and told me to go to Gujarat as the Chief Minister. When I told him that I had always worked in the organization, he said he was confident I would fulfill the people’s expectations. The faith he had in me was humbling. A life is to be judged not just by the extent of grief that follows when its light goes out. It is also to be measured by the lasting impact on the lives of people and the course of time. For that reason, AtalJi was a true Ratna of Bharat. His spirit will continue to guide us as we build the New India of his dreams.(Excerpts from the Prime Minister’s blog)