On February 21, 2026, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan released the coffee table book Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The book has been authored by Vijay Goel, senior BJP leader and former Union minister.
Key Highlights of the Event
- Dignitaries Present: Governors of Bihar, Rajasthan, and Haryana, along with senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, and Union ministers including Ashwini Vaishnaw and Kiren Rijiju.
- Vice-President’s Remarks: He described the release as both an honour and an emotional moment, calling Vajpayee “one of India’s tallest leaders”. He emphasized that the book is not just a collection of photographs but a celebration of Vajpayee’s life, poetry, oratory, and statesmanship.
- Author’s Perspective: Vijay Goel highlighted his decades-long association with Vajpayee, sharing rare photographs and personal recollections that trace Vajpayee’s journey from a poet and parliamentarian to a Prime Minister who shaped India’s destiny.
- Themes Covered:
- Vajpayee’s role in Pokhran nuclear tests
- His push for infrastructure development
- His vision of democracy, unity, and inclusivity
- His legacy as a poet-prime minister whose words inspired generations
Significance of the Book
- Serves as a visual and narrative tribute to Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- Offers insights into his personal and political journey, blending rare photographs with anecdotes.
- Reinforces Vajpayee’s image as a statesman, visionary, and unifying leader whose ideals continue to guide India.
