Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was one of the most respected and influential leaders of India, who served as the 10th Prime Minister of India for three terms. He was also a poet, a writer, a parliamentarian and a statesman. His life and career offer many valuable lessons for anyone who wants to achieve success and excellence in their chosen field.
Here are some of the life lessons that one may learn from the life of Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee:
- Be passionate about your work: Vajpayee was passionate about politics and public service since his youth. He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of 16 and became an active member of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), the precursor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He devoted more than 50 years of his life to serving the nation and society in various capacities. He was also passionate about poetry and literature, and wrote several books and poems that reflected his vision and values. He once said, "My poetry is a declaration of war, not an exordium to defeat. It is not the defeated soldier's drumbeat of despair, but the fighting warrior's will to win. It is not the despirited voice of dejection but the stirring shout of victory."
- Be resilient and adaptable: Vajpayee faced many challenges and setbacks in his political career, but he never gave up or lost hope. He was sworn in as the Prime Minister of India for the first time in 1996, but his government lasted only 13 days, as he failed to secure a majority in the parliament. He did not let this discourage him, and instead worked hard to strengthen his party and coalition. He became the Prime Minister again in 1998, but his government fell after 13 months, due to the withdrawal of support by one of his allies. He again bounced back and led his party to a decisive victory in the 1999 elections, forming a stable government that lasted for a full term. He also adapted to the changing circumstances and realities, and adopted pragmatic and flexible policies on various issues, such as economic reforms, foreign relations, nuclear tests, Kashmir dispute, etc.
- Be visionary and courageous: Vajpayee was a visionary leader who had a clear and long-term perspective on India's development and role in the world. He initiated several landmark initiatives and policies that transformed India's economy, infrastructure, education, defense, science and technology, etc. Some of his notable achievements include: launching the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, which established India as a nuclear power; initiating the National Highway Development Project (NHDP) and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), which improved India's road connectivity; launching the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), which aimed at universalizing elementary education; conducting diplomatic outreach to Pakistan and China, which improved India's relations with its neighbors; etc⁵. He was also courageous enough to take bold and unpopular decisions when required, such as imposing sanctions on Pakistan after the Kargil War in 1999; ordering military action against terrorists in Operation Parakram in 2001-2002; etc.
- Be humble and respectful: Vajpayee was known for his humility and respect for others, regardless of their political affiliation, ideology or background. He was admired and respected by his friends and foes alike, for his grace, dignity and magnanimity. He treated his opponents with courtesy and civility, and often praised them for their merits. He once said, "I have never thought of leaving behind any legacy or inheritance for anyone. I have always believed that whatever I have done is my duty." He also respected India's diversity and pluralism, and advocated for peace and harmony among different communities. He was one of the few Hindu leaders who spoke out against the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya by Hindu extremists in 1992. He also made efforts to reach out to India's Muslim minority, and said, "We are not against any community. We are not against any religion. We are proud of our composite culture."
These are some of the life lessons that one may learn from the life of Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His life was an example of dedication, determination, innovation, integrity and generosity. He was a leader who inspired millions of Indians with his words and deeds. He was a true Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honor of India, which he received in 2015. He passed away on 16 August 2018, at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of service and excellence that will be remembered for generations to come..
Some of his infamous quotes -
- - "Our aim may be as high as the endless sky, but we should have a resolve in our minds to walk ahead, hand-in-hand, for victory will be ours." This quote reflects his optimism and confidence in India's potential and destiny. He urged the people to work together for the common good of the nation, and not to lose hope in the face of challenges and difficulties.
- - "Empowering the individual means empowering the nation." This quote shows his belief in the importance of human dignity and freedom. He advocated for the rights and opportunities of every citizen, especially the poor and marginalized. He believed that by empowering the individual, the nation would become stronger and more prosperous.
- - "You can change friends but not neighbours." This quote reveals his pragmatic and realistic approach to foreign policy. He recognized that India had to live in peace and harmony with its neighbours, especially Pakistan and China. He made efforts to improve relations with them through dialogue and diplomacy, while also safeguarding India's interests and security.
- - "We hope the world will act in the spirit of enlightened self-interest." This quote indicates his vision of a peaceful and cooperative world order. He appealed to the international community to act responsibly and constructively, and not to interfere in India's internal affairs. He also sought to enhance India's role and stature in the global arena, by forging strategic partnerships and alliances with other countries.
- - "Freedom is incomplete without social justice." This quote demonstrates his commitment to the values of democracy and secularism. He respected India's diversity and pluralism, and opposed any form of discrimination or violence based on religion, caste, gender or ethnicity. He also promoted social welfare schemes and programs to uplift the poor and disadvantaged sections of society.
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