- The Defence Minister spoke at the event in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
- Rajnath Singh congratulated Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on the establishment of the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working to build a strong, self-respecting, and self-reliant India: Defence Minister
- The Prime Minister is carrying forward the vision of India articulated by Dr. Mukherjee, Pandit Upadhyaya, and Atal Ji: Defence Minister
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s contribution to India’s political, social, and cultural life remains significant: Defence Minister
Lucknow: Addressing a gathering at the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the country’s progress over the past decade had been guided by the principle of taking pride in India’s leadership, heritage and values, a theme consistently emphasised by the Prime Minister.
He said, “Leaders such as Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had played a decisive role in shaping independent India’s sense of identity, self-respect and national purpose.”
The Prime Minister dedicated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal to the nation on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The site features 65-foot bronze statues of Dr. Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Atal Ji, along with a digital museum documenting their lives and contributions.
He congratulated Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the establishment of the site in Lucknow, describing it as an effort to institutionalise public memory around leaders who shaped India’s political and social thought.
He also paid tribute to veteran sculptor Ram Sutar and Mantu Ram, who were associated with the creation of the statues.
Referring to Dr Mukherjee, the Defence Minister said his political struggle was centred on safeguarding India’s unity and integrity. He noted that the abrogation of Article 370 reflected the fulfilment of Dr Mukherjee’s long-standing position on Jammu and Kashmir.
On Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, he said his philosophy of Integral Humanism and Antyodaya had placed the dignity of the individual at the centre of governance. He added that welfare-oriented policies aimed at the poorest sections drew inspiration from these ideas.
The Defence Minister also recalled the contribution of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, noting his association with Lucknow and his role in shaping India’s political discourse. He said Atal Ji’s influence extended beyond politics to society and culture.
He said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working to realise the vision of India articulated by Dr Mukherjee, Pandit Upadhyaya and Atal Ji, particularly through initiatives focused on villages, farmers and marginalised communities.” He added that governance reforms had strengthened delivery mechanisms and improved India’s standing globally.
The event was attended by Governor Anandiben Patel, Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, Rajya Sabha member and former Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma, and other senior leaders.
