TNI Bureau: The birth centenary celebrations of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee were observed with solemnity and grandeur at the BJP State Office in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. On the occasion, the 10th Atal Samman–2025 awards were also presented to eminent personalities for their contributions in various fields.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee laid the foundation of the vision of a “New India,” which is being taken forward today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Referring to Swami Vivekananda’s dream of India as a world leader, the Chief Minister said Vajpayee was the statesman who translated that vision into reality through strong leadership, good governance and national pride.
The Chief Minister described Vajpayee as an extraordinary leader who demonstrated exemplary statesmanship even in the most adverse circumstances. He recalled Vajpayee’s pivotal role in national integration through infrastructure development, particularly road connectivity, and his emphasis on ethical politics, good governance and national security. Vajpayee, he said, would always remain a source of inspiration for every Indian.
Highlighting Vajpayee’s farmer-friendly initiatives, Majhi said schemes like the Kisan Credit Card and crop insurance reflected his deep understanding of farmers’ hardships. From conducting nuclear tests to successfully handling the Kargil conflict, Vajpayee displayed unwavering resolve and leadership. In his honour, December 25 is celebrated nationwide as Good Governance Day, he added.
The Chief Minister further stated that Odisha, for the first time, has a single-party BJP government and that the state government is committed to building Odisha into one of the most prosperous states in the country by drawing inspiration from Vajpayee’s ideals and under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi.
BJP Odisha State President Manmohan Samal described Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a visionary statesman, poet, philosopher, and patriot rolled into one. He said Vajpayee’s contribution to building modern India was unparalleled and that calling him the architect of New India would not be an exaggeration. Samal also highlighted Vajpayee’s special affection for Odisha, citing the establishment of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, post-supercyclone reconstruction support in 1999, and the groundwork for major industrial projects including the Paradip refinery.
Samal noted that when Vajpayee assumed office, India was burdened with heavy debt, yet his policies strengthened the economy and elevated India’s global standing. The economic foundation laid during Vajpayee’s tenure, he said, has helped India emerge today as the world’s fourth-largest economy.
BJP State In-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar and former state president Samir Mohanty also paid tributes to Vajpayee, urging party workers and citizens alike to follow his ideals of nationalism, integrity and service.
Atal Samman–2025 Awardees
On the occasion, Kunjabihari Panigrahi was conferred with the Atal Samman–2025. Other honours included:
Dr. Bhagyalipi Malla – Atal Sanskriti Samman
Prasanna Kumar Swain – Atal Kavita Samman
Utsarga, a reputed social organisation from Sambalpur – Atal Seva Samman
Senior journalist Sriram Das – Atal Journalism Samman
The awards were presented by the Chief Minister and senior BJP leaders, along with citations, mementoes and shawls.
The programme also featured a cultural segment, including poetry recitation based on Vajpayee’s works, a live sand art creation of Vajpayee by young artist Sumir Behera, and a photographic and biographical exhibition on Vajpayee’s life and legacy. The event was anchored by BJP State Secretary and Cultural Cell Convenor Pinki Pradhan.
An all-party memorial meeting and poetry reading were also held in the afternoon as part of the centenary observance, reaffirming Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s enduring influence on India’s political, cultural and moral landscape.
