Page 48 - NIS English 16-31 Jan, 2026

NATION | Heritage

Rashtra Prerna Sthal

A Symbol of Self-Respect,

Unity and Service

On December 25th, the 101st birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who not
only transformed good governance but also wrote an indelible saga of valor through the Pokhran
and victory in Kargil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal
in Lucknow. This complex houses 65-foot-tall bronze statues of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee,
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, symbolizing their
significant contributions to political thought, nation-building, and public life.

r. Syama Prasad Mookerjee laid the foundation these great men protected India’s identity, unity, and
of a united India with the mantra, “One country pride and left an indelible mark on nation-building.
Dcannot have two constitutions, two heads Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was a visionary leader
of state, and two national symbols,” while Pandit who dedicated his life to the unity, integrity, and
Deendayal Upadhyaya gave the principle of “Integral strong nation-building. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya,
Humanism,” setting the goal of Antyodaya (upliftment on the other hand, paved the way for making India a
of the poorest) for the betterment of every section self-reliant, prosperous, and culturally strong nation
of society. This very stream of national welfare was by connecting it to its roots. Atal Bihari Vajpayee un-
carried forward by the great poet and national hero of equivocally established India as a strong global power
nationalist thought, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Inaugurating on the world map. 65-foot-tall bronze statues of these
the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, as three great national heroes have been installed at the
a tribute to the life and ideals of former Prime Minister Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, serving as tangible
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Modi said that De- representations of nationalist ideals and principles.
cember 25th is also a remarkable day as it marks the This remarkable confluence of thought, culture, and
birth anniversaries of two great personalities of the national consciousness is poised to create a new,
country. Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Bharat inspiring narrative for a developed India and a devel-
Ratna Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya—both oped Uttar Pradesh. PM Modi said that the inspiration

46 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || January 16-31, 2026