Honour: Atal Behari VajpayeeThe Man Who Reads Common Man?s Mind

Rare are the persons of the stature of Atal Behari Vajpayee, who even after being at the top of the political career reads with all humility the common man’s mind. This indicates the unique swan like characteristic of his personality. Atalji headed the nation endowed with rich ancient traditions and heritage for three times which makes it imperative for all to remember his contribution to the Indian polity and politics. The evaluation of anybody’s contribution could be his thoughts and mission and vision and their utility in the current perspective.
In view of the present political scenario where unblemished character, honesty in social and political life and keeping the nation’s interest at the top have become rarest of the rare virtues, the contribution of Atalji in all these fields becomes a beckon light for the posterity. Our respects and honour for this great personality doubles at this very thought.

In his thoughts the main priority is accorded to safeguarding nation’s interests and carrying the fruits of development and social progress to the last man standing in a row. This is indicative of Deendayalji’s concept of development—the Integral Human-ism. The impact of RSS thoughts and ethos on Atalji’s mind proved helpful for him to make the country strong and defend its sovereignty. We need these values direly to improve the condition of the country. Unfortunately, politics has become the best means of self-development, which allows the greedy politicians to snatch the opportunities of common man and fulfill his own demands. In such a situation Atalji with his commitment to Integral Humanism stands as guiding light. The way he implemented this principle in his lifetime, needs to be followed by all of us.

The style with which he continued with a motley combination of 24 parties to run a coalition government deserves kudos. It is most difficult to reach consensus on any matter in coalition. But Atalji with his towering and understanding personality accomplished this seemingly difficult task easily. This contribution of his will be enshrined in the annals of our democratic history in red letters.
India never attacked any country. On the other hand we followed and preached the idea of universal brotherhood. However this did not mean compromising with the national security requirements. With this view, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee conducted in all secrecy the May 11, 1998 Pokhran nuclear test, which changed the entire world’s outlook for India. India coped with the economic sanctions imposed because of this test, but that did not deter the Prime Minister who gave a new slogan of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan’ to enhance the morale of the nation. His one single step has carved a niche for India amongst the global community.
Atalji made sincere efforts to have good relations with India’s neighbours. The much discussed Lahore Bus Yatra was the best example of this seriousness. Pakistan reciprocated wickedly by infiltrating into Kargil which our brave soldiers repelled with all the might. The global community too came out in open criticism of Pakistan for this act.
His thoughts and vision are still useful for the nation. It is difficult to summarise his thoughts and contribution in a nutshell. His service to the nation and society are remembered for ever. It is beyond doubt that this vision of this great visionary will be helpful in taking India to the highest glory of pinnacle.                                        —Prasad Shivajirao Joshi?

Mahamana Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya
‘Emperor of the Fakirs’?

Into: Malviyaji was instrumental in setting up Hindu Samaj Sahitya Sabha and library in Allahabad. He led the movement for entry to Harijans into the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. He compelled the British to enter into an agreement not to obstruct the continuous flow of Ganga.?

Some people are honoured with the awards and felicitations, but some awards and the institutions that present such awards are honoured by honouring some great men. Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya was one such worthy son of Mother India whom the Modi Government has honoured with highest civilian award of “Bharat Ratna” along with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
In doing so the Government has raised its stature and position. In other words, the Government has raised the status of these civilian awards than what it used to be during the Congress rule. In the days of Congress, these awards were given to those who were related to Gandhi-Nehru family or Congress. That government consistently neglected those who sacrificed their lives for freedom of the country. Their birth and death anniversaries are not remembered. Modi government made a welcome departure from this trend and decided to confer this highest civilian award posthumously to Malviyaji and the announcement to this effect was made on his 154th birth anniversary. The BJP government definitely deserves congratulations for this. Mahamana Malviyaji was a fearless, impartial journalist, teacher, advocate, social reformer and freedom fighter. He had such a strong will power that once he decided anything in his mind he would not rest till he accomplished that task. The Benaras Hindu University (BHU) is the best example of his strong determination. To establish such a wonderful educational institute with cooperation and help from the masses was like a dream. But he solicited financial help in erecting this institute from a rickshaw puller to an industrialist. That is why he was called as “Emperor of the Fakirs”. He hit upon the idea of setting up such a university in 1904 and in 1916 on the auspicious day of Vasant Panchami the foundation stone for this university was laid in presence of Mahatma Gandhi. Today, the BHU stands as the biggest university in Asia where 30,000 students are pursuing their studies in ancient and modern subjects.
Though Pt Malviya was born in Allahabad his field of activities remained Benaras. He started his public life as a teacher and later entered the profession of pleader. When he used to practice in Allahabad High Court he would never take up false cases. He would only fight for the truth and would never touch money with his hands. Meanwhile, he started taking interest in public and social activities and set up educational institutions, gau shalas and libraries. His complete focus was on social service. After a long gap, he took up the case of 150 freedom fighters who were sentenced to the gallows and succeeded in saving their lives.
He participated in 1936 Congress session at Kolkata with his guru Adityaram Bhattacharya and vowed to sacrifice his life for the freedom of the motherland. He adorned many important positions in the Congress. He was instrumental in setting up Hindu Samaj Sahitya Sabha and library in Allahabad. He led the movement for entry to Harijans into the Kashi Vishwanath temple. He formed the Ganga Mahasabha and compelled the British to enter into an agreement not to obstruct the continuous flow of Ganga. He inspired others to set up gaushalas in Mathura and Vrindavan.
His contribution in the field of journalism will always be remembered. He edited the ‘Daily Hindosthan” from Kalakankar of Pratapgarh. He was in favour of freedom and prestige of editor. Once the Kalakanakr Raja talked to him in derogatory manner he immediately resigned from the post of editor and later edited ‘Indian Opinion’, ‘Leader’, ‘Maryada’, ‘Sanatan Dharma’, ‘Abhyudaya’, etc. journals and newspapers. Pt Malviya was the forerunner of Indian journalism.
He was undoubtedly, one of the top leaders of the Congress party but no Congress regime in free India ever tried to honour this great man or remember his contribution to the freedom struggle. The BJP government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi deserves all the credit for honouring this great and worthy son of Bharat Mata.                             —Rajesh Singh?