'Rashtra Prerna Sthal symbolises India's vision of self-respect, unity and service': PM Modi
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, to honour the life and ideals of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (December 25) inaugurated the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal, a major national memorial complex dedicated to honouring the life, legacy and ideals of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and said the memorial symbolises a vision that has guided India towards self-respect, unity, and service. The inauguration marks the 101st birth anniversary of the former prime minister.
'Rashtra Prerna Sthal symbolises India's vision': PM Modi
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Rashtra Prerna Sthal, PM Modi extended Christmas wishes to the people of the country and the world and hoped that the day brings peace and joy to everyone's lives.
He said December 25 marks the birth anniversaries of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Bharat Ratna Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya, adding that both leaders "protected India's identity, unity and pride and left an indelible mark on nation-building".
He also paid tributes to Maharaja Bijli Pasi on his birth anniversary. "I bow in reverence to Mahamana Malaviya ji, Atal ji and Maharaja Bijli Pasi," the prime minister said.
"Rashtra Prerna Sthal symbolises a vision that has guided India towards self-respect, unity, and service. This Rashtra Prerna Sthal inspires us that all our efforts should be directed towards nation-building. Everyone's collective efforts will make the dream of 'Viksit Bharat' a reality," said the Prime Minister.
Quoting Vajpayee, Modi said the memorial shows that "every step, every effort must be dedicated to nation-building." He also highlighted that over 30 acres of land, earlier covered with garbage, were reclaimed in three years and congratulated Chief Minister Adityanath and his team for the efforts.
Calling December 25 "a day of good governance", Modi credited Vajpayee with laying the foundation for digital identity, telecom reforms, road connectivity and metro rail projects. He said Vajpayee would have been pleased to see India emerge as the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, with Uttar Pradesh becoming the top mobile manufacturing state.
Congress, SP committed sin by destroying Baba Sahab's legacy: PM Modi
PM launched a sharp attack on the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP), accusing them of undermining the legacies of national icons like Baba Sahab Ambedkar and promoting a "one-family" rule in India.
Aiming at dynasty-driven politics, he said several national leaders were ignored or their legacies diluted. He cited the renaming of the Andaman island where Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the tricolour and recalled "attempts to erase the legacy of B R Ambedkar".
He alleged that the "Congress' royal family" and the Samajwadi Party had done so but said the BJP ensured Ambedkar's legacy was protected.
PM Modi said Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who united hundreds of princely states, was also undermined after Independence, and claimed it was the BJP that restored his stature through initiatives such as the Statue of Unity and Ekta Nagar.
He described dynastic politics as "driven by insecurity" and said it promoted "political untouchability, alleging that Congress and its allies treated the BJP in this manner.
He said the NDA honoured leaders across party lines, noting Bharat Ratna awards to P V Narasimha Rao and Pranab Mukherjee and national honours for Mulayam Singh Yadav and Tarun Gogoi. Modi said the NDA "corrected historical neglect" of former prime ministers through the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya.
Referring to UP, Modi said the "double engine government" had transformed the state from being known for poor law and order to development, citing the Ram temple, Kashi Vishwanath Dham and Rashtra Prerna Sthal.
Legacy being carried forward by PM Modi: CM Yogi
After the inauguration of Rashtra Prerna Sthal, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said that Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Deendayal Upadhyaya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee's legacy being carried forward by PM Narendra Modi: Adityanath in Lucknow.
"On this occasion, under the PM's vision, we remember the legacy of three great leaders who gave India a new direction. Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee envisioned one nation, one constitution, one flag, and one head, and today his dreams can be seen taking shape across India. Over the past 11 years, 25 crore people have risen above the poverty line, reflecting transformation even at the lowest levels of society. Carrying forward the spirit of Antyodaya and Atal Ji’s good governance, this legacy is shaping a self-reliant and developed India. Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival on the sacred land of Lucknow marks this vision," said CM Yogi.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "On my behalf and on behalf of all brothers and sisters, I warmly welcome the Prime Minister of India, who has strengthened India’s position on the international stage. It is a matter of great pride that our Prime Minister has received the highest honours from 29 countries. On this auspicious occasion, the statues of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Ji, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Ji, and respected Atal Ji are being unveiled by PM Modi, making this day very important for the nation. Today is also the birth anniversary of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Ji, and I bow in respect to his memory."
PM Modi inaugurates Rashtriya Prerna Sthal | Video
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal, a major national memorial complex dedicated to honouring the life, legacy, and ideals of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. PM Modi was accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and other senior leaders. He was warmly welcomed by people who waved the tricolour and raised slogans in his honour.
After the inauguration, the prime minister, along with other leaders, visited the museum housed within the complex. PM Modi viewed the displays dedicated to the lives and contributions of Vajpayee, Syama Prasad Mookerjee, and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
About Rashtriya Prerna Sthal
According to an official statement, the Rashtra Prerna Sthal has been developed as a landmark national memorial and inspirational complex of enduring national significance. Constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 230 crore and spread across an expansive area of 65 acres, the complex is envisioned as a permanent national asset dedicated to fostering leadership values, national service, cultural consciousness, and public inspiration.
The complex features 65-feet-high bronze statues of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, symbolising their seminal contributions to India's political thought, nation-building, and public life.
It also houses a state-of-the-art museum designed in the form of a lotus-shaped structure, spread over approximately 98,000 square feet. The museum showcases India’s national journey and the contributions of these visionary leaders through advanced digital and immersive technologies, offering visitors an engaging and educational experience.
The inauguration of Rashtra Prerna Sthal marks an important step in preserving and promoting the ideals of selfless leadership and good governance, and is expected to serve as a source of inspiration for present and future generations.
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