Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an Indian politician and statesman who served as the 10th Prime Minister of India. Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, India, Vajpayee's political career spanned over six decades, during which he played a crucial role in shaping India's political landscape.
Vajpayee began his political career in the 1940s as a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization. He later joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), the political arm of the RSS, and served as the party's national president from 1968 to 1973.
In 1977, Vajpayee played a crucial role in forming the Janata Party, a coalition of several opposition parties that defeated the ruling Congress party in the general elections. He served as the Minister of External Affairs in the Janata Party government and played a key role in improving India's relations with the United States and China.
In 1980, Vajpayee left the Janata Party and formed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with other leaders of the Janata Party. He served as the BJP's national president from 1980 to 1986 and again from 1993 to 2004.
In 1996, Vajpayee was sworn in as the Prime Minister of India for the first time. However, his government lasted only 13 days, as he failed to secure a majority in the parliament. In 1998, Vajpayee was again sworn in as the Prime Minister of India, and his government completed a full term of five years.
During his tenure as the Prime Minister, Vajpayee initiated several economic and social reforms that transformed India's economy and society. He launched the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, a program to provide education for all, and the National Highway Development Project, which aimed to improve the country's road infrastructure. Vajpayee also oversaw India's successful nuclear tests in 1998 and initiated peace talks with Pakistan.
In 2004, Vajpayee's government was defeated in the general elections, and he resigned as the Prime Minister of India. He remained active in politics until 2009, when he retired from active politics due to his declining health.
Vajpayee was known for his oratory skills and his ability to bring people of different political ideologies together. He was a poet, and his poetry was widely appreciated in India. In 2015, he was awarded India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away on August 16, 2018, at the age of 93. His death was mourned by people across the political spectrum and was seen as a loss to the country. Vajpayee's life and legacy continue to inspire people in India and around the world.