HSS (UK) mourns the demise of a legend – Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee
The ‘Bhishma Pitamah’ of Indian politics has departed.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee (25 December 1924 – 16 August 2018) was an iconic leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), known for his cultural moderation, liberalism and political reasonableness. He became the Prime Minister of India thrice – first in 1996 when he served the term for 13 days, second in 1998 for a period of eleven months, and third time in 1999 for a full term of five years. It was during his tenure that India successfully conducted nuclear tests at Pokhran and renewed hopes for peace between India and Pakistan emerged with the start of the New Delhi-Lahore bus service. His government has been till date the only non-Congress government to stay in power for five years. Besides being a seasoned politician and outstanding parliamentarian, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was also a renowned poet and a highly popular personality across the political spectrum.
He was conferred Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour in 2015. The Modi Government has declared his birthday i,e 25 December to be celebrated as Good Governance Day. Vajpayee died on 16tth August 2018 due to prolonged illness.
On behalf of HSS (UK), we offer our humble and heartfelt condolences and pray for eternal peace and “sadgati” to the departed soul. May his life continue to inspire and guide the world.
Shri Dhiraj Shah
HSS (UK) President
