New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and several senior leaders on August 16, Sunday paid homage to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his eighth death anniversary at his memorial, ‘Sadaiv Atal’. Leaders remembered Vajpayee as an extraordinary statesman whose vision, democratic values and commitment to national service continue to inspire generations.
President Murmu, PM Modi pay homage at ‘Sadaiv Atal’
President Murmu and Vice President Radhakrishnan paid floral tributes to Vajpayee at the memorial. Prime Minister Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP National President Nitin Nabin, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta were also present at the prayer meeting.
राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मु ने भारत के पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री श्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी की पुण्यतिथि पर नई दिल्ली स्थित उनकी समाधि 'सदैव अटल' पर उन्हें श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित की। pic.twitter.com/rnt21L1e5R
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 16, 2026
On the Punya Tithi of revered “Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji”, paid my respects at Sadaiv Atal and remembered his extraordinary contribution to the nation.
A statesman, poet and visionary, Atal Ji devoted his life to strengthening Bharat’s unity, dignity and strategic… pic.twitter.com/8cFfWZD2ED
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) August 16, 2026
PM Modi, in a post on the X social media platform, described Vajpayee as an “extraordinary statesman” blessed with remarkable vision, saying that he dedicated his life to the service of the nation. He said Vajpayee’s leadership strengthened India, while his focus on good governance and public welfare would continue to guide future generations.
Earlier this morning, paid homage to Atal Ji at Sadaiv Atal. His role in India’s progress is unparalleled! pic.twitter.com/9OVA0p7sGT
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also remembered Vajpayee as a patriot who devoted his life to the nation. Shah highlighted his role in strengthening India’s strategic capabilities through the nuclear tests and the Kargil War, while also advancing the principles of Antyodaya and good governance.
पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री व भाजपा के संस्थापक भारत रत्न श्रद्धेय अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी जी की पुण्यतिथि पर उन्हें नमन करता हूँ।
अटल जी एक ऐसे देशभक्त राजनेता थे, जिन्होंने अपने जीवन का एक-एक क्षण देश सेवा को समर्पित कर दिया। एक ओर उन्होंने परमाणु परीक्षण व कारगिल युद्ध में पूरी दुनिया को… pic.twitter.com/xjXJqDU6fB
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 16, 2026
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recalls ‘Nation First’ Approach
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid floral tributes to Vajpayee and recalled his contribution to Indian democracy and national development. Singh said Vajpayee enriched Indian democracy through both his thoughts and actions and lived by the principle of “Nation First, Always First”. He noted that under Vajpayee’s leadership, India achieved significant progress in strategic strength, economic development and infrastructure.
Singh added that Vajpayee’s ideals, personality and commitment to national service would continue to inspire the country.
श्रद्धेय अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी जी की पुण्यतिथि पर उन्हें कोटि-कोटि नमन एवं विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि।
अटल जी ने अपने विचारों और कार्यों से भारतीय लोकतंत्र को समृद्ध किया। उन्होंने आजीवन ‘राष्ट्र प्रथम, सदैव प्रथम’ की भावना के साथ कार्य किया। उनके लिए राजनीति का मूल उद्देश्य राष्ट्रहित और… pic.twitter.com/bHCShduZfy
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 16, 2026
UP CM Yogi Adityanath recalls Vajpayee’s political journey
In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid tribute to Vajpayee at Lok Bhavan, recalling his contribution to national security, democratic values and public life. CM Yogi highlighted Vajpayee’s early political association with Uttar Pradesh, noting that he was first elected to Parliament from Balrampur in 1957 and later represented Lucknow five times.
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also recalled Vajpayee’s opposition to the Emergency and his role in the political movement against it. He praised Vajpayee’s approach to national security, saying that he consistently placed the national interest above political considerations.
भारतीय राजनीति के अजातशत्रु, पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री, 'भारत रत्न' श्रद्धेय अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी जी की पुण्यतिथि पर आज लखनऊ में उनकी प्रतिमा पर पुष्प अर्पित कर श्रद्धांजलि दी।
श्रद्धेय अटल जी जितने सहज और सरल थे, उतने ही इरादों के 'अटल' भी थे, कारगिल संघर्ष के दौरान दुनिया ने उनके दृढ़… pic.twitter.com/c5kEb3hSIY
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) August 16, 2026
Three-time Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Awardee
Vajpayee served as Prime Minister three times. His first tenure in 1996 lasted 13 days, followed by an 11-month term from 1998 to 1999 and a full five-year tenure from 1999 to 2004.
A founding leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Vajpayee played a defining role in shaping the party’s political journey. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by major developments in infrastructure, diplomacy, economic policy and national security. Known for his powerful oratory, parliamentary contribution and statesmanship, Vajpayee was also a noted Hindi poet who commanded respect across political lines.
He was conferred the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 2015. Vajpayee passed away on August 16, 2018, at the age of 93. His death anniversary is observed annually to remember his enduring contribution to Indian public life and his legacy of democratic politics, good governance and national service.
