The Vision, Ideas and Thoughts of Former Prime Minister, Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee

 
A man of masses, veteran leader and former Prime Minister Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away in New Delhi on 16th August, 2018. The 93-year-old veteran leader breathed his last at AIIMS where he was admitted for treatment.
Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee's legacy as Prime Minister is a rich one that will be remembered and cherished forever. He was an eminent national leader, an erudite politician, a selfless social worker, forceful orator, poet and litterateur, journalist and indeed a multi-faceted personality.
The following are some excerpts from his speech delivered at a time when the world was entering a new century. This is from the book " Selected Speeches of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Volume-2)" brought out by Publications Division. The  vision and thoughts in this speech continue to be a source of inspiration.
"A new chapter in the history of mankind begins, as the sun sets for the last time in the twentieth century. This is an occasion for cheer and joy. The battle against terrorism can be won, by all nations acting together, by outdoing the terrorist in patience, in technology, in strength, and in intelligence. India shall join hands across nations to rid the world of this crime against humanity. Let this be our first resolution for the New Century. Along with terrorism, the twin curse of poverty and illiteracy has to be wiped out. We have to ensure that every Indian has a shelter and the poorest of the poor, access to a life of dignity. We have to break down barriers of caste, language and religion. We have to erase artificial boundaries that separate Indians from Indians. We have to remove all forms of discrimination, especially discrimination against women. The key to this new society is fast economic development and rapid social change. We have to ensure growth with equity so that every Indian benefits from India's prosperity. India shall be a developed country, a country that reaches out and cares for the weakest. Let this be our second resolution for the New Century. We have to excel as individuals and as a nation. We have the best talent in science and technology. Our sportsmen are rated among the best in the world. Our teachers are in demand in the best universities abroad. Our farmers defy great odds to produce record harvests. Our industry has the potential to stand up to all competition. The closing decades of the twentieth century have fetched a bounty of opportunities. New vistas have been opened up by discoveries that could not have been imagined even twenty years ago. With such talent and resources, we can excel as a nation. We must seize the opportunities of the coming era to emerge as a mighty nation whose strength shall lie in her achievements. Excellence shall be our watchword. Let this be our third resolution for the New Century. On January 26 we will celebrate the Golden Jubilee of our Republic. The Constitution of India has served as the beacon for our democracy, establishing the rule of law and the supremacy of the people. In fifty years, we have grown to become a vibrant democracy, and the world's largest. But while the spirit of democracy and the faith of the people in a democratic system have survived the test of time, our institutions have begun to show signs of corrosion. That needs to be checked and rectified immediately. To ensure the health of our democracy, our institutions need to be strengthened, with your help, to meet the challenges of the twenty first century. India's institutions shall be restored to health. Let this be our fourth resolution for the New Century. Dear Countrymen, we enter the twenty first century with a civilizational history that stretches back to more than five thousand years. From time immemorial, we have nourished traditions and values. They are our real strength. They are the gift India has preserved for the world through ages. They are the truths to which the world has now begun to turn-for direction, for solace, for wisdom. As Sri Aurobindo said: "The sun of India's destiny would rise and fill all India with its light and overflow India and overflow Asia and overflow the world." Let us make that vision come true. Let us make the New Century an Indian Century. May 2000 and the decades beyond truly be a new age, a new era of security and brotherhood among all peoples and prosperity for all nations."
Books on Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee brought out by Publications Division:
English Titles
1.Selected Speeches of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Volume-1)
2.Selected Speeches of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Volume-2)
3.Selected Speeches of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Volume-3)
4.Towards A Developed Economy - Defining Moments
5.Towards A New World - Defining Moments
Hindi Titles
6.Pradhan Mantri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ke Chune Hue Bhashan (Khand-1)
7.Pradhan Mantri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ke Chune Hue Bhashan (Khand-2)
8.Pradhan Mantri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ke Chune Hue Bhashan (Khand-3)
9.Vikasit Arthvyavastha Ki Ore - Nirnayak Daur
10.Naye Vishwa Ki Ore - Nirnayak Daur
Details available on our website www.publicationsdivision.nic. in)