Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on the occasion of 96th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratan Atal Bihari Vajpayee unveiled the statue of the late Prime Minister of India at the historic The Ridge Shimla today.While addressing the “Atal Samriti Samaroh” on the occasion of ‘Sushashan Divas’ by the State language, Art and Culture Department at Gaiety Theatre, Chief Minister paid rich tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a statesman and a great personality who, due to his politics of principles emerged as a statesman with national appeal.The Chief Minister said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a legendary and visionary leader who defined highest values of leadership and his contribution for the development of the country would be remembered for the years to come. He said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an orator par excellence who had ability to cast a spell on the audience. He said that even during some most tense moments in Parliament, Atal Bihari Vajpayee succeeded to defuse the situation with utmost ease.Jai Ram Thakur said that despite being away from active politics for over a decade at the time of his demise, lakhs of youth joined the last journey of Late Shri Vajpayee which shows his deep impact in the lives of the people of the country. He said that nation was first for Vajpayee ji and therefore regarded as the true statesman by people of the country.
Chief Minister said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister of the country changed India forever in many aspects. He said that as a Prime Minister for six years between 1998 and 2004, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was credited with reviving the India's glory in the global economy. He said that it was due to the strong willpower of Atal Bihari Vajpayee that India become nuclear power. He said that it was due the PMGSY, a vision of Atal Bihari Vajpayee that rural road connectivity gained pace and almost all the panchayats of the State were connected by roads. Jai Ram Thakur said that the unveiling of statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the Ridge today was a tribute to this great son of mother India. He said that this18 feet statue constructed by spending an amount of Rs. 1.08 crore was also the token of love and affection from the people of the State towards this great statesman. He said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee always believed in values-based politics and would always be remembered and respected for his simplicity, humanity and benevolence.He said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee shared special connect with Himachal, which he fondly called his ‘second home’. He said that despite his busy schedules Atal Bihari Vajpayee would never miss an opportunity to come to Himachal and spending a few days here. He said that spent few days as usual, at his home in Prini village near Manali and enjoyed the green environs, met villagers over their small little demands, held poetry sessions. He said that with his simplicity and humanity, he ruled the hearts of millions of people. He always believed in values-based politics and would always be remembered and respected for his simplicity, humanity and benevolence.
Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated Blood donation camp on the occasion of birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee organized by Shimla Unit of BJYM.Jai Ram Thakur also wished the people of the State, particularly Christian brethren a very merry Christmas.Live telecast of the address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the nation was also shown on the occasion. Prime Minister transferred new instalment of over Rs. 18,000 crore in bank accounts of about 9 crore farmer families of the country under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna.Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said that Bharat Ratan Atal Bihari Vajpayee joined Indian politics with new ideology and ideals. He said that it was under his able leadership that India became atomic power with first underground nuclear weapon ballistic missiles at Pokhran. He said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a man of principles as he never compromised for petty political gains.Education Minister Govind Singh Thakur while welcoming the Chief Minister said that the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee was being celebrated every year as ‘Sushashan Divas’. He said that Prime Minister was always committed towards ensuring corruption free and responsive governance to the people of the country.Director Language and Culture Sunil Sharma presented vote of thanks.Dr. O.P. Sharma, Dr. Inder Singh Thakur, Dr. Priyanka Vaidya, Hitender Sharma, Dr. Anju Puri and Shakshi Sharma recited their poems on the occasion. Technical Education Minister Dr. Ram Lal Markanda, MP and State BJP President Suresh Kashyap, Chief Whip Narender Bragta, MLA Balbir Verma, Mayor Shimla Municipal Corporation Satya Kaundal, Deputy Mayor Shailender Chauhan, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Trilok Jamwal, Additional Chief Secretary LAC R.D. Dhiman, were also present on the occasion