The centenary of A.B. Vajpayee: An adamant and ideal leader

His push for liberalization, transparency, and institutional competitiveness created the groundwork for India’s subsequent economic growth.

It is quite challenging to encapsulate the essence of someone as towering as Atal Bihari Vajpayee. A figure of immense stature in public life and an individual of unparalleled influence, his centenary reminds us of his monumental contributions to Indian political discourse, foreign policy, domestic governance, and even literature. He could be argued as an accurate representation of Plato’s Philosopher King. Reflecting on Bharat Ratna Vajpayee’s legacy, one struggles to determine where to begin. He was a living embodiment of how a politician should conduct oneself, setting an example that remains unmatched.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Born into a modest family in the erstwhile princely state of Gwalior on December 25, 1924, Vajpayee chose the path of public life early on. His father, a school teacher who had migrated to Gwalior from Bateshwar in Uttar Pradesh before Independence, played a pivotal role in shaping his values. Vajpayee attended college in Gwalior, where his love for literature first came to light, showcasing his flair for the written word. He later pursued a law degree in Kanpur, but his heart was set on public and social service. Early in his life, he expressed a desire to serve the nation, joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). As a pracharak, he demonstrated exceptional organizational skills. He became the BJP’s organizational secretary in Gujarat and later assumed the role of All-India organizational secretary of the party.

THE POET
Vajpayee was not only a statesman but also a celebrated poet whose expansive vocabulary melted hearts, stirred emotions, and left listeners spellbound. His politics was rooted in the philosophy of what we now call “soft power”. Vajpayee wielded words as weapons, using ideas, spirit, and emotions to persuade his listeners. His speeches and writings could be sweet and humorous at times, yet sharp and incisive when needed.
One cannot forget his iconic poem Mastak Nahin Jhukega (head will not bow), which served as a pointed retort to Pakistan’s role in Kashmir. In it, he resolutely declared that India would never bow to pressure, whether from terrorism or global powers like the United States. This poem was a homage to Shyama Prasad Mukherjee’s vision of Kashmir as an inseparable part of India. Yet, Vajpayee’s poetry extended beyond polemics; it carried a profound vision. In Mastak Nahin Jhukega, he warned Pakistan of the consequences of fomenting terrorism and aggression against India. He foresaw that no amount of alliances with the US or Western powers would protect Pakistan from its self-destructive path—a prediction that has proven eerily accurate in hindsight. As such, Vajpayee’s legacy is not confined to his political achievements but also includes his mastery of language and his ability to touch the hearts and minds of millions. His life remains a testament to humility, conviction, and the power of words to shape destinies.

AN IDEALIST POLITICIAN
Prime Minister Modi’s recent remarks evoked Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s unwavering commitment to democratic engagement. Vajpayee’s refusal to remain in power at the cost of principles—opting to step down after just 13 days in office—stands as a testament to his deep respect for democracy. His nationalism was also firmly rooted in upholding democratic values, a conviction that saw him endure imprisonment during Indira Gandhi’s imposed Emergency. Yet, Vajpayee never wavered. He would rather stand free on his feet than bow to kneel under pressure or succumb to the temptations of power.
Vajpayee’s ideological framework embraced cultural nationalism, integral humanism, and an unyielding adherence to his principles, regardless of cost. His visionary leadership shone in economic reforms and infrastructure development. The marvels of modern India’s road infrastructure owe much to Vajpayee’s transformative initiatives, such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and the Golden Quadrilateral Highway Project. These projects laid the foundation for the rapid economic progress India enjoys today. As we edge closer to a $5 trillion economy, we owe gratitude to Vajpayee’s foresight, including his early advocacy for digital infrastructure modernization. His push for liberalization, transparency, and institutional competitiveness created the groundwork for India’s subsequent economic growth.

FORMIDABLE FOREIGN POLICY
Vajpayee’s influence extended beyond domestic governance into the global stage. As India’s foreign minister in the Janata Party government, he broke new ground by addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in Hindi—a bold assertion of India’s cultural identity that few dared emulate. Widely respected for his liberal, accommodative, and formidable foreign policy vision, Vajpayee’s global engagements reflected a nuanced understanding of India’s place in the world.
No decision in Indian foreign policy was as momentous—or as fraught with challenges—as the nuclear tests of 1998. Despite immense international pressure, Vajpayee made the decision with clarity and conviction, recognizing it as necessary to secure India’s strategic autonomy. The subsequent diplomatic backlash did not deter him. He staunchly defended India’s right to be a nuclear power while advocating for a “No-First Use” policy. For Vajpayee, nuclear weapons were not tools of aggression but instruments of deterrence—symbols of strength wielded responsibly and ethically.

CONSENSUS-BUILDER
From the Ram Mandir to Article 370, Atal Bihari Vajpayee lived up to his name—Atal (adamant). His history, journey, and legacy symbolize India’s resilience and determination. His life’s work should be a reminder for governments and individuals alike. And honouring his legacy is the least one can do for such a towering figure dedicated to public service. The week-long celebration, Atal Shatabdi Samaroh, organized by the Uttar Pradesh government from December 19 to 25 to commemorate Vajpayee’s centenary, is a commendable initiative. Such efforts should inspire governments across the political spectrum. His stance was about a rooted Bharatiyata, a middle ground between deracinated and empty secularism and aggressive Hindutva.
While Vajpayee was a BJP leader, his vision transcended party lines. His ideas embodied the spirit of India, his approach fostered consensus, and his service was always to the nation. What truly defines his legacy is not just his actions as a politician or Prime Minister but his extraordinary ability to bring people together. Vajpayee stood as a bridge-builder, advocating unity over division, consensus over partisanship, and a proud nationalism rooted in inclusivity. He ended the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP’s) political untouchability, and, in the process, set up the scaffolding for creating the country’s only real alternate node to the Congress in national politics. Had Vajpayee not broken the untouchability of the BJP in 1998-1999, it is unlikely that the BJP could have produced a Narendra Modi as the most towering political personality today.

* Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is the Vice Chancellor of JNU.