Today is the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The day is also celebrated as Good Governance Day. Tributes will be paid to the statesman at his samadhi Sadaiv Atal in the national capital.

Akashvani’s correspondent reports that Born on 25th December 1924 in Gwalior, Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s personality had many facets, he was a forceful orator, a writer, poet, a selfless social worker, journalist, but more than anything else, he was a leader among leaders. He served thrice as the Prime Minister of India. His legacy comprises forward looking economic policies, massive infrastructure projects and development of national highways as well as roads in the rural areas.

His astute and wise economic policies laid the foundation of the longest period of sustained growth in independent Indian history. It was under his leadership that India successfully conducted Pokhran-II nuclear tests and cemented its position as a nuclear state in 1998. He had a long parliamentary experience spanning over four decades.

As a foreign minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the first person to speak in Hindi in the United Nations in 1977. He was awarded India’s highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna in 2015. The BJP stalwart had breathed his last on 16th August 2018 leaving behind a rich legacy which will be remembered as well as cherished for years to come.