Vice-president releases coffee table book on Atal Bihari Vajpayee, calls him ‘the eternal statesman’

Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan , released the coffee table book “Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman” , authored by Shri Vijay Goel , at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre , New Delhi, today. The book is a tribute to the late Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee , celebrating his life, vision, and enduring legacy.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Radhakrishnan described the release as both an honour and an emotional moment , noting that the book is more than a collection of photographs, it is a celebration of a statesman whose ideals continue to inspire the nation. He recalled his personal association with Shri Vajpayee , having served as a Member of the 12th and 13th Lok Sabha during Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister. Shri Radhakrishnan fondly remembered organising a public meeting addressed by Vajpayee in Coimbatore in 1974 , which left a deep impression on him during his early years in public life.

The Vice-President highlighted Vajpayee’s journey from parliamentarian to Prime Minister , emphasizing his integrity, inclusive approach, and dignified conduct, which earned him respect across party lines even in times of intense political contestation. Key milestones of his leadership, including the Pokhran nuclear tests and infrastructure initiatives like the Delhi Metro , were cited as examples of his vision and commitment to development.

Describing Vajpayee as a poet, visionary, and parliamentarian par excellence, Shri Radhakrishnan praised his ability to disagree without being disagreeable, a rare quality in public life. He appreciated Shri Vijay Goel for curating the book, which preserves history through rare photographs, personal anecdotes, and archival material , and expressed hope that it would inspire the younger generation to uphold the ideals of unity, democracy, and social harmony.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Bihar Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan , Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh , Rajasthan Governor Shri Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde , former Union Minister Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi , and Shri Vijay Goel , Vice Chairman of the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti , among others.

The coffee table book aims to make the life and contributions of Atal Bihari Vajpayee accessible to homes and institutions across India, offering a vivid reflection of a leader whose values and vision remain timeless.