How can we say that Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a true visionary?

Meetali Asiwal

Thinker | Posted on 17-Aug-2018

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was not just India’s former Prime Minister, he was everything that a leader should be. A true statesman, and an exceptional leader he was one of his kind just like APJ Abdul Kalaam. There are a lot of instances in his political and literary career which exemplifies his oratorical skills and his extraordinary vision of India.

“I dream of an India, that is prosperous, strong, and caring. An India that regains the place of honor in the comity of great nations”, he used to say. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the one who wanted Modi to be removed from his post as Gujarat’s CM after 2002 Gujarat riots. He was the one who could see the reality behind fancy election campaigns and rallies when everyone was preparing for a victory.

To put it in minimal words, he was an Indian who could see the distress of other Indians.

Upon Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s demise at the age of 91, here are some of his quotes that show what a great visionary he was:

“If you do not like anything in a particular book, then sit and discuss it. Banning a book is not a solution. We have to tackle it ideologically.”

“Quiet diplomacy is far more effective than public posturing”

“Poverty is multidimensional. It extends beyond money incomes to education, health care, political participation and advancement of one’s own culture and social organisation.”

“We hope the world will act in the spirit of enlightened self-interest.”

“Our aim may be as high as the endless sky, but we should have a resolve in our minds to walk ahead, hand-in-hand, for victory will be ours.”