Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Ethics, Democracy, Governance

In the democratic history of India, some personalities do not merely exercise power; they illuminate politics with moral dignity, ideological clarity, and human compassion. Respected Atal Bihari Vajpayee was one such rare statesman. Born on 25 December 1924 in the then princely state of Gwalior, Atalji’s life symbolizes the living conscience of Indian democracy. Raised in a modest family of teachers, he inherited from his father, Pandit Krishna Bihari Vajpayee, the values of literature, discipline, and national thought. From his student days, patriotism remained the core of his personality.

In 1939, he associated himself with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and became a full-time pracharak in 1947. The trauma of India’s Partition and the crises confronting the nation compelled him to abandon the study of law. The Quit India Movement of 1942, active participation in the Arya Kumar Sabha, and his pracharak life in Uttar Pradesh shaped him into a committed, reflective, and nation-dedicated leader. Through journalism, he transformed words into instruments of purpose and dialogue into a form of spiritual discipline.

With the founding of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, he formally entered politics. His election to the Lok Sabha from Balrampur in 1957, to the Rajya Sabha in 1962, and again to the Lok Sabha in 1967 marked the beginning of over four decades of parliamentary engagement. Throughout political upheavals, his faith in democracy, dialogue, and national interest remained unwavering, as reflected in his poetic lines—

“हास्य-रूदन में, तूफ़ानों में…

पीड़ाओं में पलना होगा,

कदम मिलाकर चलना होगा।”

Development and Good Governance

Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s philosophy of good governance placed the individual at the center. His clear assertion—“Empowering the individual means empowering the nation, and empowerment is best achieved through rapid economic growth combined with rapid social change”—became the guiding principle of his policies. Infrastructure development, fiscal discipline, and market reforms were consciously linked with social objectives.

The Golden Quadrilateral connected Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, strengthening India’s economic arteries. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana ensured all-weather road connectivity to remote villages, translating policy intent into visible outcomes. The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act institutionalized financial discipline. Strategic disinvestment in enterprises such as BALCO, Hindustan Zinc, IPCL, and VSNL enhanced efficiency, competitiveness, and better utilization of public resources.

The New Telecom Policy of 1999 dismantled monopoly structures and introduced competition, making telecommunication services affordable and accessible. The revenue-sharing model, establishment of TDSAT, and restructuring of VSNL ensured equitable access to information—an early expression of inclusive governance that later formed the foundation of Digital India.

In education, the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (2001) made free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14 a national mission. Atalji’s poem “स्कूल चले हम” evolved into a people’s movement, significantly reducing dropout rates. He viewed education both as a right and a means of empowerment.

In matters of national security and foreign policy, the same balance prevailed. After the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, his message was unequivocal—“Our strength is not for aggression, but for self-defence.” During his tenure, approval was granted to the Chandrayaan-1 mission. His foreign policy emphasized dialogue over conflict through initiatives such as the Delhi–Lahore Bus Service, the Agra Summit, and the vision of “इंसानियत, कश्मीरियत, जम्हूरियत.” After the Parliament attack of 13 December 2001, the enactment of POTA and the banning of terrorist organizations reflected his resolve that peace could never come at the cost of national security.

Women’s Empowerment: Equality and Dignity

For Atal Bihari Vajpayee, women’s empowerment was not peripheral but central to governance. His renowned statement—“जब महिलाएँ आधा आकाश संभालती हैं, तो उन्हें राजनीतिक भूमि का एक-तिहाई अधिकार क्यों न मिले?”—captures his belief that women’s empowerment is essential to democracy itself.

From reservation in Panchayati Raj institutions to sustained efforts toward the Women’s Reservation Bill, his vision sought structural inclusion. Gender budgeting was introduced to assess public expenditure through a gender lens. The National Policy for the Empowerment of Women (2001), Mahila Samridhi Yojana, Swayamsiddha, Swashakti, and the Swadhar Greh Scheme addressed education, skills, financial independence, shelter, and dignity in a comprehensive manner. Atalji believed that a modern society empowers women rather than restricts them—this was, for him, the ethical foundation of good governance.

Good Governance in the Amrit Kaal

25 December, the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is observed as Good Governance Day—a national acknowledgment of his governance philosophy, where power transforms into service. His deep sensitivity to human suffering is reflected in his poetic insight—

“पृथ्वी पर मनुष्य ही ऐसा एक प्राणी है,

जो भीड़ में अकेला,

और अकेले में भीड़ से घिरा अनुभव करता है।”

For him, governance was ultimately about safeguarding human dignity.

Since 2014, Good Governance Day and the observance of Good Governance Week (19–25 December) have strengthened transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric administration. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated—“Good intentions with good governance define our government, and honest implementation is our resolve.” Initiatives such as Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore, digital service delivery, grievance redressal systems, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, PM-Kisan, MUDRA, Beti Bachao–Beti Padhao, and Ujjwala represent contemporary extensions of Atalji’s governance vision. The Jal Jeevan Mission, in particular, liberated millions of women from the daily burden of carrying water, transforming quality of life and embodying modern Rajdharma. This consciousness resonates with his poetic call—

“अन्तरतम का नेह निचोड़ें,

बुझी हुई बाती सुलगाएँ;

आओ फिर से दिया जलाएँ।”

As a senior parliamentarian, Atal Bihari Vajpayee remained active for four decades; his election nine times to the Lok Sabha and twice to the Rajya Sabha stands as testimony to his democratic acceptance. In recognition of his unparalleled service to the nation, steadfast commitment to democratic values, and visionary leadership, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna. With his passing on 16 August 2018, an ethical, poetic, and dialogic era came to an end. He was not merely a Prime Minister—he was an idea, a poem, and the living conscience of good governance. His life itself proclaims—

“मैं जी भर जिया, मैं मन से मरूँ,

लौटकर आऊँगा, कूच से क्यों डरूँ?”

Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is carrying forward this very consciousness as it enters the Amrit Kaal—where good governance is not merely a policy, but a national ethos. This remains Atalji’s greatest legacy, the guiding path of Indian democracy, and a true, ideological, and timeless tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

(The author holds a PhD from the Delhi School of Economics and is actively engaged in social work.)