Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday unveiled a bronze statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the eve of his 101st birth anniversary in Panchkula. He inaugurated the statue at Atal Park in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and several state ministers while attending a series of events in the city.
Statue Completed in Record Time
The statue, which stands 41 feet tall and rests on a 15-foot pedestal, rises to a total height of 56 feet above ground level. Officials said the Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority (PMDA) completed the installation within just 25 days.
Vajpayee’s Leadership and National Contribution Remembered
While addressing the passing-out parade of Batch 93 of the Recruit Basic Course, where 5,061 newly trained Haryana Police constables joined the state force, Shah described Vajpayee as a true patriot, a skilled administrator, and a poet by nature. He added that when it came to national security and development, Vajpayee remained firm and decisive. Shah recalled that during Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister in 1998, India emerged as a nuclear power despite global opposition, strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.
Statue Meant to Inspire Youth
Shah said the statue would serve as a source of inspiration for Haryana’s youth by reflecting the values of an ideal life, dedicated leadership, and selfless service to the nation. Organisers also screened a video presentation showcasing the features of Atal Park during the event.
The Union Home Minister later visited a specially curated exhibition on Vajpayee and his association with Haryana at the BJP office, Panchkamal. The exhibition highlighted important milestones of Vajpayee’s public life, his contributions to nation-building, and his lasting legacy.
Shah also virtually inaugurated 250 Atal e-libraries across Haryana to encourage reading and knowledge-sharing among young people. Additionally, he released a coffee table book documenting Vajpayee’s life, leadership, and influence on Indian politics.
He further inaugurated an Atal Smriti blood donation camp in Panchkula and commended the donors for their contribution, with 211 units of blood collected during the drive.
Atal Park, spread across 20,786 square metres in Sector 1, Panchkula, is being developed by the PMDA. The park will feature several thematic and wellness-focused zones, including Bal Vigyan Vanaya Vatika for children’s science and wildlife learning, Yog Vatika as a fitness park, Ayurveda Vatika showcasing medicinal plants, Sugandh Vatika as a fragrance garden, Kalakriti Vatika dedicated to art, and Sanskritic Vatika designed as a heritage garden.
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