Gwalior: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav paid tribute to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, highlighting his unparalleled contributions to public welfare, nation-building, and strengthening democracy. The remarks were made during the inauguration of the all-India poetry conference “Hamare Atal, Pyare Atal” organized in Atal Ji’s memory in Gwalior.
Poets Honored with Atal Awards
On this occasion, the Chief Minister conferred the Atal Award to renowned poet Balveer Singh Karun (2024) and celebrated poetess Dr. Kirti Kale (2025). Each awardee received ₹1 lakh, a citation, and a ceremonial shawl with fruit offerings as a mark of recognition for their literary contributions.
Event Highlights and Dignitaries Present
The event took place in the Dattopant Thengdi Auditorium at Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University, Gwalior. Key dignitaries present included:
- Narendra Singh Tomar, Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker
- Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister for Communications & North East Development
- Hemant Khandelwal, State President
- Dr. Mahendra Singh, State In-Charge
- Tulsi Ram Silawat, District Minister In-Charge
- Narayan Singh Kushwaha, Minister
- Bharat Singh Kushwaha, Member of Parliament
- Other senior officials, legislators, and bureaucrats.
CM Highlights Atal Ji’s Legacy
Dr. Yadav emphasized Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s stature as an unarmed warrior in politics, whose steadfast vision shaped India’s democratic values. He recalled Atal Ji’s leadership during the Pokhran nuclear tests, which enhanced India’s global stature, and lauded his lasting contributions to governance and development initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, which has expanded rural connectivity across villages.
The Chief Minister further highlighted ongoing development projects inspired by Atal Ji’s vision:
- Expansion of irrigation to 100 lakh hectares, currently covering 54 lakh hectares
- Employment generation and industrial promotion in the state
- Upcoming MP Growth Summit in Gwalior, featuring investment proposals exceeding ₹2 lakh crore
Dr. Yadav concluded his address by reciting Atal Ji’s famous poems: “Haar Nahin Manunga, Raar Nahin Thanoonga” and “Kadam Milakar Chalna Hoga”, underlining the enduring relevance of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s thoughts and ideals.
Tributes and Ceremony
The ceremony began with floral tributes and lighting of the lamp in front of Atal Ji’s portrait by the Chief Minister and other dignitaries, setting a solemn and inspiring tone for the event dedicated to India’s beloved leader.
