Atal Bihari Vajpayee may have passed away but not his achievements and lessons. Long live and prosper, Atal Bharat
Key take always and achievements by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, that sprung up major political, financial, development, and social reforms in Indian history:
1. Atal Ji in Numbers:
– Lived 93 years (25 Dec 1924 – 16 Aug 2018)
– 10th Prime Minister of India
– Prime Minister 3 times (13 days in 1996, for a period of eleven months from 1998 to 1999, and then for a full term from 1999 to 2004)
– In his 3rd term as PM, the GDP rate was above 8%, inflation was below 4% and foreign exchange reserves were overflowing.
2. Look East policy:
“Look East” policy was developed and enacted during the governments of prime ministers P.V. Narasimha Rao (1991–1996) and further developed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1998–2004). The Look East policy back then emerged as an important foreign policy initiative of India in the post-Cold War period, following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Lesson: Always keep good relationships with your neighbors.
3. Catapulting India on the nuclear map:
True to his name, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee gave the green flag to Operation Shakti (also known as the Pokhran test) and made the hero of this achievement, Dr. APJ Kalam the next President of India, who was later named the true People’s President. Vajpayee coined the slogan: ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan’. He promoted the scientific spirit, and not just technology.
Lesson: Embracing science & Use of technology, will lead to a safer, better, and brighter future
Quote by PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee:
“Our nuclear weapons are meant purely as a deterrent against nuclear adventure by an adversary.”
And thus, India made its foothold in the regional and global political scenario. Even after sanctions were imposed by western countries, India grew at a constant rate. This will lead to the first-ever US presidential visit to India.
Lesson: Never get fazed by the competition (even if they are bigger than you are) and keep moving forward.
4. Kargil War:
When Militants and Pakistani soldiers infiltrated across the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K & captured hilltops, and unmanned border posts, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee said, “we will get them out, one way or the other”.
Lesson: A leader never backs down even if a win comes at a cost.
5. National Highway Development Project (NHDP)
To construct world-class highways in India, connecting the four major cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata (‘Golden Quadrilateral’) & Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
Connecting all four major cities and villages in India was an unprecedented move from the Prime Minister’s office. Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision played a very important role in improving logistics on a national scale. All big e–com giants like Flipkart, Snapdeal, Amazon, etc. may be selling goods online but are getting delivered at your doorsteps (faster than ever) using the same highways.
Lesson: Connecting people always pay a rich dividend in the long term
6. First UN speech in Hindi
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee gave a speech in Hindi at the 1977 UN General Assembly Speech as India’s Foreign Minister in the Janata Party Government. That was the first time anyone had given a speech in Hindi at the global forum.
Click here for the full speech.
Lesson: Believing in your skills and don’t be shy to present it.
7. Leading the first successful coalition government
“India Has to Run On Consensus” said Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (To watch full NDTV interview: click here).
Lesson:
a. Always listen to your audience, always.
b. Even if it is hard to manage but nevertheless, Team is better than going solo.
8. Setup of Disinvestment Ministry
Now Known as Department of Investment and Public Asset Management the Department of Disinvestment was set up as a separate Department on 10th December, 1999 and was later renamed as Ministry of Disinvestment form 6th September, 2001.
These are some important mandates:
- All matters relating to management of Central Government investments in equity including disinvestment of equity in Central Public Sector Undertakings.
- All matters relating to sale of Central Government equity through offer for sale or private placement or any other mode in the erstwhile Central Public Sector Undertakings
- Decisions on the recommendations of Administrative Ministries, NITI Aayog, etc. for disinvestment including strategic disinvestment
- All matters related to Independent External Monitor(s) for disinvestment and public asset management.
Lesson: There should always be an oversight or a consultant in all matters related to investment(s).
9. Telecom revolution with new telecom policy:
In 1999, Vajpayee government took a decision to end state monopolies for entities like Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and introduced a new Telecom Policy which led to revenue sharing model and eventually paved the way for call rates getting cheaper as well as affordable mobile phones.
Lesson: Sharing is a call for all.
10. Introduced Education as fundamental right
Under Vajpayee government a mission named “Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan” was started. The mission was to provide free and compulsory education to all children between 6 and 14 years of age. The primary objective of the scheme, which commenced in 2000-01, was to reduce dropouts and increase the net enrolment ratio at primary level. In fact, the song School Chale Hum that was used to promote the scheme was penned by Vajpayee himself. With the mission in full force, the rate of dropouts reduced from almost 40 percent in 2000 to less than 10 percent in 2005.
Lesson: Education leads to the betterment of oneself, the society, and the nation.
11. Flags off IIndia’s first modern rail project (Delhi metro)
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had gifted the very first Delhi Metro to the national capital. Vajpayee in 2002 inaugurated the Delhi Metro, fulfilling a long-cherished dream of an underground rail. “Hamare liye garv ki baat hai ki 24 December 2002 ko Atal Bihari Vajpayee iss desh ke sabse pehle metro ke passenger bane they” said current PM Narendra Modi on December 25 to launch the Magenta line of the Delhi metro.
Lesson: Technology and infrastructure are two wheels on a non-stopping development train.