Atal Bihari Vajpayee, born on 25 December 1924 in Gwalior, was a charismatic poet and politician who served as India's Prime Minister for three consecutive terms. He is one of the most prominent figures in India's history.
In 2014, the newly-formed government announced that 25 December would be celebrated as Good Governance Day in honour of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The objective was to educate the public about the responsibilities and duties of the government.
During his tenure as prime minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was faced with massive issues, including the Kargil War of 1999 and the Kandahar hijacking of 1999.
During the Kargil War in 1999, Atal Bihari Vajpayee authorised airpower, focusing on a defensive strategy without crossing the LOC (Line of Control).
When five terrorists hijacked an Indian Airlines flight carrying 190 passengers from Kathmandu to New Delhi and redirected the plane to Afghanistan, the Vajpayee government successfully brought back the captive passengers to India.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister of India when five terrorists attacked the Parliament complex and caused chaos. Vajpayee responded by asking the Indian military to mobilise for war.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee wrote and published several poems in Hindi. He was also a great orator, known for his speeches in the parliament. He was also the first to speak in Hindi at the UN General Assembly.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee wrote and published several poems in Hindi. He was also a great orator, known for his speeches in the parliament. He was also the first to speak in Hindi at the UN General Assembly.