The Stalwart of Bharatiya Janata Party and ‘Bhishmapitamah’ of Indian politics, late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the king of oratory. Atal ji has left behind a treasure of his visionary poetry and quotes for us. Atal ji, who died at 93 at AIIMS (New Delhi) on August 16 after prolonged illness, will go down in the history books as one of India’s the most prolific leaders. Here we cherish some remarkable quotes by the former prime ministers-
“Our nuclear weapons are meant purely as a deterrent against nuclear adventure by an adversary. We do not believe that a nuclear war should be fought and we do not believe that a nuclear war can be won.”
Atal Ji had told this in 2002 on signing the Lahore declaration to reduce the risk of unauthorized use of nuclear.
Read More: भारत रत्न अटलजी राष्ट्रीय सम्मान के साथ पंचतत्व में विलीन
“You can change friend but not neighbours.” Atal Ji had said this in context of the Agra Summit before the Lok Sabha session in 2002. He had asserted that if Pakistan and India have to co-exist, they will have to do as friends otherwise they will end up in the ridiculous conflicts.
“People who ask us when we will hold talks with Pakistan are perhaps not aware that over the last 55 years, every initiative for a dialogue with Pakistan has invariably comes from India” Atal Ji had told this in 2002 before inviting Pak President.
“No state should be allowed to profess partnership with the global coalition against terror, while counting to aid, abet and sponsor terrorism.” Atal Ji said this amid rising terrorism in the territory.
“Quiet diplomacy is far more effective than public posturing”
Atal Ji said on India’s stance on Iraq.
“Global interdependence today means that economic disasters in developing countries could create a backlash on developed countries.”
Atal Ji said this when he addressed the 58th UN general assembly session in 2003.
“Poverty is multidimensional. It extends beyond money incomes to education, health care, political participation and advancement of one’s own culture and social organization.” Atal ji said this in 58th UN General Assembly when he was speaking on how globalization can help alleviate poverty.
“We are unnecessarily wasting our precious resources in wars. If we must wage war, we have to do it on unemployment, disease, poverty and backwardness.” One of the most intellectual and visionary quotes was said by Atal Ji.
“If you do not like anything in particular book, then sit and discuss it. Banning a book is not a solution. We have to tackle it ideologically.” Atal Ji said this in 2004 when people approached him to ban an American writer James Laine’s book- Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India.
“I dream of an India that is prosperous, strong and caring. An India, that regains the place of honor in the comity of great nations.” As Atal Ji dreamed for India.
Here are some august lines by India’s beloved Prime Minister Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1998, when he went to US for his renal treatment. He wrote a letter to the famous journalist Dharamveer Bharti about his encounter with death-
Maut se than gayi
Jujhne ka mera iraada na tha, mod par milenge iska vaada na tha.
Rastha rok kar khadi ho gayi, yun lagaa zindagi se badi ho gayi.
Maut ki umar kya hai? Do pal bhi nahin. Zindagi silsila aaj-kal ka nahin.
Main ji bhar jiyaa, Main mann se maru, Lautkar aunga, kooch se kyon daru?
Tu dabe paon, chori-chhipe se na aa, saamne se waar kar phir mujhe aazma.
Maut se bekhabar, Zindagi ka safar, sham hai surmayi, rat bansi ka swar.
Baat aise nahin ki koi ghum hi nahi, dard pane-paraaye kuchh kum bhi nahi.
Pyaar itna paraayon se mujhko mila, na apnon se baaki hai koi ghila.
Har Chunauti se do haath maine kiye, aandhiyon main jalaayen hain bujhte diye.
Aaj jhakjhorta tez toofan hai, naav bhanwanron ki baahon mein mehmaan hai.
Paar paane ka kaayam magar hausla, dekh tewar toofan ka, tyoriyan tan gayin.
Maut se than gayi!
– Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1924-2018)
