Porvorim, Dec 26 (Reporter): Tourism Minister and Porvorim MLA Rohan Ashok Khaunte said on Friday that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a shining chapter in India’s political, social, and ideological history.
He was addressing the gathering at the Atal Smruti Sammelan, organised by the BJP Porvorim Mandal at the Salvador do Mundo Panchayat Hall. Also present on the dais were BJP State President Damodar Naik, Penha de França Sarpanch Sapnil Chodankar, Penha de França Zilla Panchayat member Sandeep Salgaonkar, Sucorro Zilla Panchayat member Amit Asnodkar, Porvorim Mandal BJP President Vineet Parab, Porvorim BJP In-charge Rupesh Kamat, and senior BJP leader Govind Parvatkar.
Khaunte said that Atalji was not just a politician, but a complete ideology, a value system, and a powerful source of inspiration. He added that Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a perfect example of dignified and respectful politics.
He said that from his student days, Atalji had a strong sense of service to the nation. Through the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Jana Sangh, and later the Bharatiya Janata Party, he always placed national interest above everything else. Khaunte pointed out that one of Atalji’s greatest qualities was that even when he disagreed ideologically, he never allowed personal bitterness.
He said Atalji respected his opponents, considered Parliament a sacred place for dialogue, and always maintained discipline in language and conduct in politics, making him an ideal leader. He added that Atalji gave India a new sense of confidence. The nuclear tests conducted at Pokhran in 1998 brought India onto the world stage as a nuclear power. Though the decision was bold, Atalji took it after recognising that it was essential for national interest.
Khaunte also said that Atalji sent a strong message of peace through the Lahore Bus Yatra, making sincere efforts to promote friendship between India and Pakistan. Only a visionary leader like Atalji, he said, could balance strength and peace so effectively.
Speaking on the occasion, BJP State President Damodar Naik said that decisions such as the Suvarna Chaturbhuj Mahamarg Yojana, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, expansion of telecom and infrastructure, privatisation, and economic reforms laid the foundation for modern India’s development. He added that Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan was not just a slogan, but a powerful vision for India’s overall growth.
Naik also said that apart from being a great statesman, Atalji was a sensitive poet and writer. His poetry beautifully reflected patriotism, philosophy of life, and human emotions.
During the programme, newly elected Zilla Panchayat members Sandeep Salgaonkar and Amit Asnodkar were felicitated by dignitaries for their recent victories. Senior BJP workers and respected citizens who were active during Atalji’s time — Vinayakumar Mantrawadi, Gajendra Singh, Kiran Prasad, Dina Karpe, Chandrahas Narayan, and Gita Malgaonkar — were also honoured.
Mandal President Vineet Parab welcomed the gathering, Rina Fernandes delivered the vote of thanks, and Suraj Prabhudesai conducted the programme smoothly.
