New Delhi, August 15: Atal Bihari Vajpayee was steadfast not just in name but also in actions and thoughts. He accepted differences in opinions while firmly rejecting any form of compromise on principles. His public life was exemplary and inspiring. Vajpayee approached every responsibility with dedication, integrity, and sensitivity.
Despite his gentle heart, his decisions reflected remarkable political resolve. Whether addressing domestic issues or representing India on the global stage, Vajpayee always expressed his views with candor, clarity, and dignity. This earned him immense respect not only within his party but across all political factions and social groups throughout his life.
Vajpayee was a poet, politician, orator, and a deeply emotional personality. Today, we delve into his personal life, particularly his connections to Gorakhpur.
In 1940, he first visited Gorakhpur as a young man for the wedding of his elder brother, Prem Bihari Vajpayee. The marriage was with Rajeshwari, the daughter of Mathura Prasad Dixit from Gorakhpur.
Many are familiar with Vajpayee’s humorous side. A relative, Sunil Dixit, shared in an interview, “He jokingly referred to the elder daughter-in-law, who knew Bengali, as ‘Khalida Zia.’ Even when he visited us, he insisted on serving himself, never asking the daughter-in-law to wash his hands. He would say, ‘Khalida Zia, you don’t need to bother.’”
Whenever Vajpayee visited Gorakhpur, he was treated with great hospitality. His brother-in-law, Brij Narayan Dixit, recalled, “He enjoyed every meal and even ground ingredients to make cold drinks for everyone. He loved to chat and share stories.”
Sunil Dixit mentioned that Vajpayee had a particular fondness for curry, especially with rice. “Even today, on his birthday, our family prepares curry and rice in his honor,” he added.
Brij Narayan Dixit, who was also the brother-in-law of Vajpayee, humorously remarked that Vajpayee never missed an opportunity to visit Gorakhpur. Once, his elder brother jokingly told him, “This is my in-law’s place, and you’re the one enjoying it. I’m the son-in-law, but you have all the fun.”
Vajpayee was known for his sociable and open-hearted nature. Despite his political career, he maintained relationships beyond party lines. His amiable personality and sense of humor won him admiration even from opposition leaders.
Brij Narayan Dixit recounted, “When he visited Gorakhpur, he would encourage us to study hard. He always shared lively stories and recited poems. Our bond was that of a brother-in-law, and he made it a point to meet everyone and inquire about their well-being.”
Sunil Dixit reminisced, “Vajpayee considered us relatives just like any other citizens of the country. However, when he visited Gorakhpur, he would invite us over, and during those times, he never discussed politics, only family matters.”
Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as Prime Minister of India three times and was elected to the Lok Sabha nine times and the Rajya Sabha twice over a remarkable parliamentary career spanning four decades. Rising from a modest family in Gwalior to the highest office in India, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1992 and the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 2015 for his selfless service to the nation.
Vajpayee was a vocal advocate for democratic ideals, women’s empowerment, and social equality. As Prime Minister, he prioritized good governance and economic development, focusing on the construction of national highways and rural roads, expanding telecommunications, and improving infrastructure. His legacy continues to guide India’s vision for governance, emphasizing transparency, accountability, efficiency, and citizen-centered service delivery.
On August 16, 2018, Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away at the age of 93 after a prolonged illness at AIIMS in Delhi.
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