Lucknow: Flowers, flickering lamps and memories of a much-loved leader filled the convention centre on Sunday as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Foundation organised ‘Atal Smriti Sandhya’ to mark the eighth death anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.The programme began with floral tributes at Vajpayee’s statue and the lighting of a ceremonial lamp. Visitors gathered around the memorial, placing garlands and bouquets, while others paused to take photographs and record videos on their mobile phones. The atmosphere turned emotional as slogans of “Atal Bihari Vajpayee amar rahe” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai” reverberated across the venue.Vajpayee’s literary legacy was highlighted through poetry recitations by Padma Shri awardee Ashok Chakradhar and other performers. His well-known works, including “Geet Naya Gaata Hoon”, “Aao Phir Se Diya Jalaen”, “Haar Nahi Manunga” and “Hindu Tan-Man, Hindu Jeevan”, were read out to applause, with many in the audience joining in and reflecting on the former prime minister’s reputation as a poet-statesman.“For Lucknow, Vajpayee’s memory carries a more personal emotion. He represented the city in Parliament for five consecutive terms, becoming deeply associated with Lucknow’s political identity,” said BJP worker Rohit Mishra. He added that Vajpayee’s tenure is also remembered for infrastructure initiatives such as Shaheed Path and the development of Gomti Nagar.Another BJP worker, Shivpal Singh, said that the statue often brings back memories of a leader who spoke with dignity and connected with ordinary citizens.Speakers also recalled Vajpayee’s role during major national moments, including the Pokhran nuclear tests, the Kargil War and initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s global standing.
