Fifteen years after he addressed India one last time from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day, former prime minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee left for his eternal abode on Thursday, August 16, 2018. Vajpayee, one of the most charismatic leaders and an orator par excellence breathed his last at Delhi AIIMS. He had been battling kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, and low urine output and chest congestion since June 11. He was 93.
As India took a stroll down memory lane, we recall a few unforgettable moments from the life of the poet-turned-politician, who had also a close connection with music, food and poetry.
One such interesting moment is from the Holi festival when the former BJP president shook a leg amid a sea of humanity. In the 25-second-long video Vajpayee, being surrounded by professional folk dancers is seen dancing to the beats of dhols.
Read | BJP cancels National Executive meeting as Vajpayee breathed his last at Delhi AIIMS
Another such instance would be found if we look back at the National Bravery Award ceremony in 2013. In the 10-second-long video an excited Vajpayee is seen lifting a young brave boy on his lap while congratulating him for his achievement.
Earlier in the day, a rare video of the BJP stalwart giving a warm hug to then BJP worker Narendra Modi was doing rounds on the social networking sites. In the video, Modi can be spotted coming out from the background and hugging Vajpayee at the BJP headquarter. Several BJP leaders can also be spotted around Vajpayee in the clip.
Read | Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Profound quotes from the poet-politician who inspired millions
Vajpayee, who left an indelible mark in Indian politics with his ideas and principles, will always remain in the hearts of million. Not only in India, Vajpayee's popularity and significant contribution in the field of politics have made the entire world to mourn over his demise. From United States to Pakistan to Britain, world leaders are grieving over the loss of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, fondly called Atalji by closed ones.
/newsnation-english/media/agency_attachments/2024-07-23t155806234z-logo-webp.webp){kind=logo}
Follow Us/newsnation-english/media/post_attachments/images/2018/08/16/AtalBihari-737322280.JPG)