PM Modi inaugurates Rashtra Prerna Sthal on Vajpayee's birth anniversary
What's the story
Commemorating the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Rashtriya Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday. The national memorial and complex features 65-foot bronze statues of Vajpayee, alongside Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ideologues Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. It has been dedicated to celebrating the life, ideals, and legacy of these three national icons.
Growth perspective
Modi's remarks on India's growth, jab at Congress
During the inauguration, PM Modi took a veiled dig at the Gandhi family and the Congress party, saying that India's growth isn't limited to one family. Also marking the birth anniversary of Congress stalwart Madan Mohan Malaviya, he said the BJP recognizes leaders of other parties, too, for their contributions to national development. "Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji and Bharat Ratna Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya ji - both these great men protected India's identity, unity, and pride," he said.
National vision
Modi's vision for India and respect for all leaders
PM Modi emphasized that his government respects and honors leaders across parties, including former President Pranab Mukherjee and ex-Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao. He said the BJP is different from the Congress in this aspect. Meanwhile, the inauguration event was attended by senior BJP leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, UP Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, among others.
Memorial details
Rashtriya Prerna Sthal: A tribute to visionary leaders
The Rashtriya Prerna Sthal complex spans 65 acres and also houses a lotus-shaped museum spread over 98,000 square feet. Notably, the museum uses advanced digital and immersive technologies to showcase India's national journey, as well as the contributions of Vajpayee, Mookerjee, and Upadhyaya.