Lucknow: A commemorative book titled “Smriti Naad”, authored by late veteran leader Lalji Tandon, was formally unveiled at the Mars Hall of Indira Gandhi Pratishthan. The event was organised by the Lalji Tandon Foundation.
The book was released by Defence Minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh in the presence of Swami Avdheshanand Giri, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, BJP Lucknow Metropolitan President Anand Dwivedi, and several other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh paid tribute to Lalji Tandon on his birth anniversary, recalling his deep association with Lucknow and his lifelong commitment to public service. He noted that Tandon had been enthusiastic about the publication of Smriti Naad, but passed away before seeing its release.
He highlighted that the book reflects Tandon’s core philosophy of “Sarva Dharma Sambhav” (equal respect for all religions), along with insights into Indian culture and civilization. Singh also mentioned that the book addresses misconceptions spread about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and presents several lesser-known anecdotes from Tandon’s life.
Sharing memories, he recounted incidents that illustrated Tandon’s courage and principles—from opposing administrative decisions during the Emergency to taking firm action against illegal constructions. He described Tandon as a leader who always chose principles over convenience and viewed politics as a means of service rather than power.
Rajnath Singh further emphasized that Lalji Tandon embodied the spirit of Lucknow—its culture, cuisine, and inclusive ethos. “Lucknow was not just his workplace but his identity,” he said, adding that Tandon’s home was always open to people, reflecting his accessibility and commitment to public welfare.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, in his address, paid heartfelt tributes and said preserving the legacy of leaders like Tandon is essential for future generations. He also recalled the close association between Lalji Tandon and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, noting their shared vision for the development of Lucknow.
Pathak praised the efforts behind the publication of Smriti Naad, stating that capturing the cultural essence of Lucknow in a book is a challenging task. He congratulated the organisers and expressed confidence that the book would serve as a valuable record of Tandon’s life and ideals.
The event witnessed the presence of several prominent leaders, including MPs Brij Lal and Sanjay Seth, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, Regional President Kamlesh Mishra, MLAs Neeraj Bora, Yogesh Shukla, O P Srivastava, MLCs Mahendra Kumar Singh and Mukesh Sharma, along with several other dignitaries.
The unveiling concluded with a tribute to Lalji Tandon’s enduring legacy and his lasting contribution to the cultural and political fabric of Lucknow.
