Good Governance Day 2023: Nation Reflects on Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 99th Birth Anniversary

As India observes Good Governance Day on December 25, the nation pays homage to the visionary leader, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on what would have been his 99th birthday. Known as Sushasan Diwas, this day serves to instill a sense of government accountability and administration awareness among citizens.

Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Atal Bihari Vajpayee held the position of Prime Minister three times, leaving an indelible mark on the nation. A poet and writer, he was the first BJP leader to assume the role of Prime Minister, contributing significantly to India's governance landscape.

In 2014, the Narendra Modi government declared December 25 as Good Governance Day, emphasizing the need for citizens, especially the youth, to comprehend their roles in ensuring effective governance. The day stands as a reminder of Vajpayee's commitment to citizens' welfare.

Vajpayee's tenure witnessed the initiation of transformative initiatives, such as the Kisan Credit Card, Golden Quadrilateral, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna, and more, showcasing a people-centric approach. The Pokhran-II nuclear tests underscored India's prowess in the defence sector during his leadership.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) commemorates Good Governance Day with various nationwide events, urging party officials to pay floral tributes at all party booths. Creative programs highlighting Vajpayee's poetry further honor his multifaceted contributions.

The event witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including Shri Ratnakar Panigrahi, former Head of Odisha, National Skill Development Council, social worker Shri Sudhir Sharma, and Shri Ranjan Swain. Addressing the gathering, Samal emphasized the enduring impact of Atal Ji's visionary governance, citing examples of transformative schemes like PMGSY, India's global standing in atomic advancements, and the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.

In an enlightening speech, Ratnakar Panigrahi delved into Atal Ji's decisive leadership during his prime ministership, shedding light on the contemporary relevance of the PM Viswakarma scheme. Panigrahi elucidated the scheme's benefits, eligibility criteria, and its potential to uplift informal laborers in the region.

The event also saw the active participation of senior BJP leaders from Badamba Narasinghpur, including Saroj Rana, Surya Kishore Mohanty, Niranjan Satpathy, Sasmita Samal, Sanjulata Dei, and over 400 BJP workers from diverse areas, reinforcing the party's strong presence and commitment to grassroots engagement.

As the day concluded with a symbolic lights-out gesture, the celebration echoed the spirit of service beyond politics, echoing the sentiments of "Jay Hind, Jay Bharat." The gathering served as a testament to the enduring legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the BJP's unwavering dedication to good governance and the prosperity of the nation.

Simultaneously, the central government observes the Good Governance Week from December 19-25, emphasizing the enduring significance of fostering a strong bond between the public and the government.

As India reflects on Good Governance Day, it not only commemorates a great statesman but also reinforces the principles of transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in the nation's governance.