Lt. General KT Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retd.), the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, participated in the 100th birth anniversary celebration of Bharat Ratna, Late Atal Behari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister of India, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi on December 25, 2024.
The event, organized by Gandhi Smiti and Darshan Samriti, New Delhi, provided an opportunity for dignitaries to pay homage to the esteemed statesman. Governor Parnaik, in his address, lauded the significant contributions of Late Vajpayee to the nation.
Describing Late Vajpayee as a distinguished parliamentarian and a stalwart leader, Governor Parnaik emphasized his four-decade-long illustrious career in both houses of parliament. He commended Vajpayee’s multifaceted brilliance, recognizing him as a versatile genius, a skilled politician, a profound thinker, and an exceptional orator.
Governor Parnaik acknowledged Vajpayee’s visionary leadership as Prime Minister, emphasizing his pivotal role in steering the nation towards good governance and charting a new course for India’s development. He highlighted that India achieved nuclear power status under Vajpayee’s leadership.
Governor Parnaik also recalled Vajpayee’s diplomatic initiatives, such as the launch of the “Delhi to Lahore” bus service, known as “Sada-e-Sarhad,” which aimed to foster cordial bilateral relations with Pakistan. He noted that Vajpayee was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Pakistan and meet with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Recalling the Kargil Conflict, Governor Parnaik acknowledged the decisive action taken by the Vajpayee Government to reclaim Indian territory, despite facing international pressure to avoid escalation.
Governor Parnaik highlighted the numerous infrastructure projects initiated by the Vajpayee-led government, including the ambitious “Golden Quadrilateral” highway project, designed to connect major industrial, agricultural, and cultural centers across India. He also mentioned significant policy decisions such as the resolution of the Cauvery water dispute, the establishment of task forces to address critical issues, the creation of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the development of a robust national highway and airport network. Furthermore, the establishment of the National Security Council, the Economic Advisory Council, and the Trade and Industry Council during his tenure marked significant milestones in governance.
Governor Parnaik emphasized the establishment of the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) in 2004 during Vajpayee’s tenure as a landmark achievement. This crucial ministry was created to address the historical isolation and neglect faced by the North Eastern states, fostering development and integration with the rest of India.
Adding a cultural dimension to the event, a captivating dance performance showcasing the epic “Ramayana” was presented by a troupe of over 50 artists.
