Birthday Special | 10 Lesser-Known Facts About Renowned Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Born on December 25, 1924, in the former princely state of Gwalior (now a part of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh), Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a renowned orator, a highly respected politician, and a remarkable human being.

Vajpayee’s journey in public life is a credit to both politics and Indian democracy.

Over the years, he has established himself as a leader who was respected for his liberal perspective and dedication to democratic values.

All that is left of him today are the poetic lessons of life he imparted.

93-year-old Atal Bihari breathed his last on August 16, 2018, after a prolonged kidney infection, urinary tract infection and low urine output. It was a great loss for the nation.

10 facts about the man who was loved by everyone:

1. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was born into a Brahmin family was a non-vegetarian. His favourite food was Prawn and his most loved restaurant was Karim’s in Old Delhi.

2. He is the first politician to have won six Lok Sabha seats from four different states: UP, MP, New Delhi, and Gujarat.

3. The first Indian representative to address the UN General Assembly in Hindi was Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

4. Vajpayee started writing poetry from childhood. When he was in 10th standard, he wrote his famous fiery poem “ Hindu Tan Man, Hindu Jeevan, Rag Rag Hindu- Mera Parichay”

5. His father was his classmate. He and his father went to the same Law College (DAV College in Kanpur) together for their Law studies and they even shared the same room in the hostel.

6. He never married but has an adopted daughter. Her name is Namita Bhattacharya, the daughter of Raj Kumari Kaul of Victoria College in Gwalior.

7. On 13 May 1998, he led India’s successful nuclear tests – Operation Shakti at Pokhran in Rajasthan and put India in the league of the world’s elite nuclear club.

8. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was imprisoned for 23 days for participating in the Quit India Movement.

9. He was a Member of Parliament for 47 years — elected 11 times to the Lok Sabha and twice to Rajya Sabha.

10. In 2004, Atal Bihari won his last election against Ram Jethmalani, an independent candidate from Lucknow.