Release of Coffee Table Book titled ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman’

It is a great day today, we are releasing the book on Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji, the great statesman. My Namaskar to: Governor of Bihar – Shri Arif Mohammed Khan Ji; Governor of Haryana – Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh Ji; Governor of Rajasthan – Shri Haribabu Kisanrao Bagde Ji; Great scholar with visionary thought who served as HRD Minister under Atal Ji – Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi Ji; Hon’ble Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs – Shri Kiren Rijiju Ji; Vice Chairman, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti – Shri Vijay Goel Ji

It is both an honour and a deeply emotional moment to stand before you today at the release of this magnificent coffee table book on one of the India’s tallest leaders, Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji. I have had a close association with Shri Atal Ji. I was privileged to serve as a Member of the 12th and 13th Lok Sabha when Shri Atal Ji was the Prime Minister. Though I was only an ordinary MP, I had the privilege to meet him without any appointment whatsoever.

At that time, Shri Vijay Goel Ji too served as a Union Minister in both NDA governments, including Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office under Shri Atal Ji. Shri Goel Ji was closely connected with Shri Atal Ji from his student days to his final years, – not only as a political colleague but also as a trusted family member.

I was attracted to ‘Jan Sangha’ as a young student of 17-18 years of age. The thoughts of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayanji and Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji, have had a lasting impression on me as a young social worker and thereafter as a young politician. I recall with fond memories as how I had organised a public meeting in 1974 for Vajpayeeji at Coimbatore in which more than 10,000 people participated. Shri Vajpayeeji who was such a big leader had put his hands on my shoulder to congratulate me, touching and inspiring me deeply.

This book is not merely a collection of photographs and memories; it is a tribute to a statesman whose life continues to inspire generations. Atal ji’s journey from a young parliamentarian to leading the nation as Prime Minister reflects the strength of Indian democracy itself.  In an era of intense political contest, he earned respect across party lines — a tribute to his integrity and inclusive spirit. Atal ji was not just a Prime Minister; he was a poet, a visionary, a parliamentarian par excellence, and above all, a compassionate human being.

From his early days as a parliamentarian to his tenure as the Prime Minister of India, Atal ji exemplified dignity in public life. Whether it was his historic leadership during the nuclear tests at Pokhran, his visionary push for infrastructure through the Golden Quadrilateral, or his courageous peace initiative symbolised by the bus journey to Lahore, he demonstrated that strength and sensitivity can go hand in hand. He believed in dialogue over division, democracy over discord, and development over dogma. But beyond policy and politics, Atal ji’s true legacy lies in his words. His poetry carried the soul of India. His speeches stirred Parliament and moved millions. Even his silence spoke volumes. He had the rare ability to disagree without being disagreeable — a quality much needed in public life.

I must compliment Shri Vijay Goelji for curating this coffee table book. Such works serve an important purpose — they preserve history not as dry text, but as living memory. Through rare photographs, personal anecdotes and archival material, this book will allow readers to revisit defining moments of India’s journey and to reconnect with the ideals that Atal ji stood for. For the younger generation, this book will be a window into an era of principled politics. For those who witnessed his leadership first-hand, it will be a nostalgic reminder of Atal ji’s time.

As we release this book today, we are not merely unveiling pages — we are renewing our commitment to the values Atal ji stood for: national unity, democracy, social harmony, and unwavering faith in India’s destiny. Atal ji once said that governments will come and go, parties will rise and fall, but the nation must remain supreme. That sentiment remains timeless. May this coffee table book travel far and wide. May it reach homes, libraries, and institutions across the country and the globe.

My heartiest congratulations once again to Shri Vijay Goelji and everyone associated with this publication. Let us remember Atal ji not only in words, but in action. As we formally release this book today, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to the ideals he stood for — unity in diversity, strength with humility, and progress with compassion.

Jai Hind!
Long Live Mother Bharat!