Today, December 25, is a very special day for all of us. Our nation marks the 100th jayanti of our beloved former Prime Minister (PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji. He stands tall as a statesman who continues to inspire countless people.
Our nation will always be grateful to Atalji for being the architect of India's transition into the 21st century. When he took oath as PM in 1998, our nation had passed through a period of political instability. In about nine years, we had seen four Lok Sabha elections. The people of India were getting impatient and also sceptical about governments being able to deliver. It was Atalji who turned this tide by providing stable and effective governance. Coming from humble roots, he realised the struggles of the common citizen and the transformative power of effective governance.
One can see the long-term impact of Atalji's leadership in so many sectors around us. His era marked a gigantic leap in the world of information technology, telecom, and communications. This was particularly important for a nation like ours, which is also blessed with very dynamic yuva shakti. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government under Atalji made the first serious attempt to make technology accessible to the common citizens. At the same time, there was foresight in connecting India. Even today, most people recall the Golden Quadrilateral Project, which connected the length and breadth of India. Equally notable were the Vajpayee government's efforts to enhance local connectivity as well through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Similarly, his government gave a push to metro connectivity by doing extensive work for the Delhi Metro, which stands out as a world-class infrastructure project. Thus, the Vajpayee government not only boosted economic growth but also brought distant regions closer, fostering unity and integration.
This story is from the December 25, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Ludhiana.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 25, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Ludhiana.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Can India conjure magic at MCG?
Four of their 10 wins in Australia have come in Melbourne, but the India batters will be tested in the Boxing Day Test
Ring in the Future
Smart rings are revolutionising health tracking by monitoring fitness, sleep, and more — but are they truly worth the hype?
Play like a kid in the backyard, Cummins advises Sam Konstas
Australia desperately need a player to counter Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead who has been decimating their batting order. The series has been one-sided, with Australia struggling to find an answer. In response, Australia has replaced opener Nathan McSweeney with 19-year-old Sam Konstas.
Pakistan airstrikes killed at least 46 in Afghanistan
Pakistan's airstrikes on eastern Afghanistan killed 46 people, mostly women and children, a Taliban government official said, on Wednesday, raising fears of further straining the relations between the two neighbours.
Truce deal delay: Hamas, Israel blame each other
Hamas and Israel traded accusations, on Wednesday, over delays in finalising a ceasefire and hostage release agreement for Gaza, despite continued efforts by mediators to broker a deal in the latest round of negotiations.
India maps industrial park route to turn factory giant
PLAN FOR MEGA PARKS PROVIDING DESIGNATED SPACE TO COMPANIES FOLLOWS CHINA MODEL
GST on used vehicles to depend on selling enterprise' nature of biz
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) on used vehicles will depend on the selling enterprise's nature of business, officials and experts clarified.
Fresh gunfights in Imphal East
NO CASUALTIES WERE REPORTED IN EITHER CASE, A SENIOR POLICE OFFICER SAID
Jaipur-Ajmer highway fire toll climbs to 18 with 3 more deaths
The toll in the LPG tanker-truck collision, which took place on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway on December 20, rose to 18 as three more people succumbed to injuries at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur on Wednesday, police officers aware of the matter said.
15-Yr-Old Charged With Class 2 Pupil's Murder
In a new twist in the Hathras schoolboy's murder case, initially believed to be an outcome of a botched attempt for human sacrifice, the police have filed a charge sheet against a 15-year-old boy, alleging that he killed his fellow hosteller, a class 2 student, in order for the school to declare a holiday, a senior officer said on Wednesday.
