On Saturday, the nation commemorated the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to him at ‘Sadaiv Atal’ in New Delhi.
#WATCH | Delhi | President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi and other senior leaders attend the prayer meeting at ‘Sadaiv Atal’, the memorial of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on his death anniversary
(Video source: DD) pic.twitter.com/iT2zqi0k77
— ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2025
The day was marked by solemn prayers and floral tributes for the martyr, poet and visionary. Union ministers, parliamentary leaders, Chief Minister of Delhi and several dignitaries of the BJP joined together in paying tribute to Vajpayee.
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A Life of Service
Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Vajpayee’s journey from a junior parliamentarian to excuse prime minister of India is legendary.
He held the highest office in the country three times: briefly in 1996; from 1998 to 1999; and then for a full term from 1999 to 2004. Beyond politics, he was a reincarnate in the realms of poetry and writing, balancing an aesthetic sense with pragmatic governance. Vajpayee died on August 16, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of statesmanship and national service.
Voices of Remembrance
Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “Vajpayee is one politician who is remembered for long. Year after year, on both his birthday and death anniversary, leaders gather to pay their homage.”
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BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj called him “the beacon light and inspiration” while recalling the influence of Vajpayee’s inspiring speeches upon the Delhi BJP president, Virendra Sachdeva. National spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain pointed to Vajpayee’s great contributions as Bharat Ratna and a change-maker.
PM Modi’s Tribute
The Prime Minister described Vajpayee’s steadfast service to the progress of the country as a constant source of inspiration. In a post on his X account, Modi said, “His spirit of service towards the all-round progress of India continues to inspire everyone in building a developed and self-reliant nation.”
Remembering Atal Ji on his Punya Tithi. His thoughts and words live on. We will always cherish his contribution to India’s development.
Paid tributes to Atal Ji at Sadaiv Atal this morning. pic.twitter.com/RRZFnlcfTT
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2019
With President Murmu and other dignitaries, he paid his respects at ‘Sadaiv Atal’, reaffirming Vajpayee’s undying legacy.
Legacy of Leadership
Under Vajpayee’s leadership, India liberated its economy and, in particular, initiated infrastructure projects meant to enhance India’s image on the world stage. His unique blend of diplomacy, political wisdom and literary elegance has left indelible marks on several generations of leaders and citizens.
Today, as the country remembers him, it is his vision of a prosperous, united and self-reliant India that still resonates with policymakers and citizens alike.
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