The nation paid homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the occasion of his death anniversary on Sunday. The BJP stalwart breathed his last on this day in 2018. Vajpayee served as the Prime Minister on three occasions. The first BJP leader to become prime minister, Vajpayee was born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior.

His first term as the Prime Minister was for only 13 days in 1996. He served his second term for a period of eleven months from 1998 to 1999 and then a full term from 1999 to 2004. He was awarded India’s highest civilian honour — Bharat Ratna — in 2015. Dignitaries will pay floral tributes to the former Prime Minister at his memorial, Sadaiv Atal, here. 

Worldnews coverage

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Vajpayee at his memorial. Former President Ram Nath Kovind, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and BJP National President Nitin Nabin were also present on the occasion.

Radhakrishnan, in a social media post, said that his enduring legacy will always remain a source of inspiration for the nation. He added that his commitment to nation-building, inclusive leadership and national pride continues to inspire generations.

Sharing a social media post, Prime Minister Modi called Vajpayee an extraordinary statesman blessed with remarkable vision, who dedicated his life to the service of the nation. He added that the words and efforts of the former Prime Minister inspired generations and his leadership strengthened the nation.