2024 - Atal Bihari Vajpayee | Commemorative Coin

The 24th commemorative coin for the year 2024 was released to mark the Birth Centenary of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, one of India’s most revered statesmen, was a towering figure in Indian politics, known for his eloquence, integrity, and visionary leadership. Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Vajpayee grew up in a modest family, deeply influenced by the nationalist movements of the time. He was an exceptional student and a gifted orator, a talent that would later play a pivotal role in his political career. His journey in public service began early, with active participation in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later as a founding member of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), the predecessor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Vajpayee’s political career spanned over five decades, during which he served as a Member of Parliament for ten terms across the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. A skilled parliamentarian, he earned the respect of colleagues across party lines. His reputation as a statesman grew during his tenure as the Minister of External Affairs in the Janata Party government (1977-1979), where he made a lasting impact by delivering a speech at the United Nations in Hindi, showcasing India’s cultural pride on the global stage.

As the first Prime Minister of India from the BJP, Vajpayee’s tenure (1996, 1998-2004) was marked by a blend of pragmatism and visionary leadership. His government undertook significant initiatives to modernize the economy, foster infrastructure development, and strengthen national security. Notable among these were the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, which affirmed India’s status as a nuclear power, and the ambitious Golden Quadrilateral highway project, which revolutionized India’s road infrastructure.

Vajpayee was also a champion of peace and diplomacy. His efforts to normalize relations with Pakistan, including the historic Lahore Bus Yatra in 1999, demonstrated his commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue. Despite facing challenges like the Kargil War and the Gujarat riots, Vajpayee’s leadership emphasized unity, tolerance, and resilience.

An accomplished poet and writer, Vajpayee’s speeches and writings reflected his philosophical depth and unwavering optimism for India’s future. His poetic works, including "Meri Ekyaavan Kavitayein," continue to inspire readers with their emotional resonance and patriotic fervor.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s legacy is one of visionary leadership, statesmanship, and humanity. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 2015, recognizing his immense contributions to the nation. Vajpayee passed away on August 16, 2018, but his ideals and vision remain a guiding light for India. The centenary of his birth, celebrated on December 25, 2024, serves as a tribute to a leader who dedicated his life to the service of the nation, leaving behind an indelible mark on India’s history and polity.

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