A verse penned by former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, ‘We may break, but we cannot bend,’ was found in a notebook once owned by a young Narendra Modi. The social media handle Modi Archives shared the verse on X, marking Vajpayee’s birth anniversary and highlighting how Modi revered the late leader.
“टूट सकते हैं मगर हम झुक नहीं सकते।”
‘We may break, but we cannot bend’
When “Ajatashatru” Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji’s words on courage, conviction and resolve found sanctuary in young @narendramodi‘s diary…
This handwritten page from Narendra Modi’s personal diary, penned… pic.twitter.com/cwfPsQMElh
— Modi Archive (@modiarchive) December 25, 2025
The handwritten page from Modi’s personal diary, written decades ago, reflects how Vajpayee’s ideals of courage, conviction, and resolve influenced the next generation of leaders. The opening lines of the verse read: “We may break, but we cannot bend! The struggle of truth against power, Justice fights against tyranny, Darkness has issued the challenge, The final ray is the beam….”
Vajpayee’s mentorship also played a pivotal role in Narendra Modi’s political journey. During Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister, Modi was appointed Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001, a decision that demonstrated Vajpayee’s trust in his administrative abilities. PM Modi has often cited Vajpayee as a guiding force, describing him as an enduring inspiration who combined nationalism with democratic values.
Honouring A Visionary Statesman
Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as India’s Prime Minister three times and played a defining role in shaping modern India. On his birth anniversary, observed as Good Governance Day, PM Modi paid tribute to Vajpayee, calling his leadership a guiding light for India’s development.
Later in the day, PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, a national memorial dedicated to Vajpayee. The complex features 65-feet-high bronze statues of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, celebrating their contributions to political thought, nation-building, and public life.
Through the memorial and his social media posts, PM Modi reinforced Vajpayee’s enduring legacy as an eloquent orator, spirited poet, and visionary statesman whose works continue to inspire millions.
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