Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, marking the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The national memorial features 65-foot-tall statues of Vajpayee, Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, honouring their ideals, vision and contribution to nation-building.
After opening the memorial to the public, PM Modi said that the land of Lucknow is witnessing a new inspiration of nationalism, rooted in the values upheld by these three towering personalities.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted that December 25 marks the birth anniversary of two Bharat Ratnas — Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Madan Mohan Malviya — whose contributions to the nation remain unparalleled.
He said the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal reflects a resolve to serve the country with dedication and integrity.
Remembering Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerjee
Recalling Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerjee’s role, PM Modi said he played a pivotal part in unifying the nation and championed the idea of ‘one nation, one law’.
He added that the NDA government has worked in this direction and described the abrogation of Article 370 as a step towards fulfilling that vision.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Mookerjee’s focus on economic upliftment, noting that Lucknow is emerging as a new growth hub.
He said the BrahMos missile would be manufactured in Lucknow and that the Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor would soon gain prominence in defence manufacturing.
PM Modi said Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya envisioned Antyodaya decades ago, emphasising policies that serve the last person in society.
He said the government has made this philosophy the cornerstone of its policy-making, ensuring inclusive development without discrimination.
He highlighted initiatives that have expanded access to clean water, food, electricity, toilets and basic amenities, stating that the government remains committed to serving the poor and marginalised to realise Upadhyaya’s vision.
Vajpayee and Good Governance
The Prime Minister said Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary is rightly observed as Good Governance Day.
He noted that Vajpayee’s government laid the foundation for good governance, adding that today’s digital revolution and the expansion of telecom services trace their origins to policies introduced during Vajpayee’s tenure.
Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also addressed the gathering, praising the three national icons.
He spoke about the Viksit Bharat Guaranteed Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Grameen), stating that it would bring transformative change by increasing rural employment days and addressing shortcomings of previous schemes.
The Rashtriya Prerna Sthal stands as a symbol of nationalism, service and visionary leadership, aiming to inspire present and future generations while preserving the enduring legacy of India’s great leaders.
Also Read: PM Modi Pays Tribute To Atal Bihari Vajpayee On Birth Anniversary, Shares Verse From Personal Diary
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