Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 25 : Union Minister Piyush Goyal has emphasised that the country will observe several important occasions on Thursday, including the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Goyal said, "The entire country is celebrating the birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, 350 years of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, and the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel."
"In a way, this is a time to revive the country's culture, history, and heritage and to awaken the spirit of patriotism among the countrymen... Tomorrow, we will all celebrate the birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee on a grand scale," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, today to mark the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, according to an official release.
At around 2:30 PM, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Rashtra Prerna Sthal and also address a public gathering on the occasion.
Driven by the vision of Prime Minister Modi to honour the legacy of luminaries of independent India, Rashtra Prerna Sthal will serve a tribute to the life, ideals, and enduring legacy of one of India's most revered statesmen, whose leadership left a profound impact on the nation's democratic, political, and developmental journey.
Rashtra Prerna Sthal has been developed as a landmark national memorial and inspirational complex of enduring national significance. Constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 230 crore and spread across an expansive area of 65 acres, the complex is envisioned as a permanent national asset dedicated to fostering leadership values, national service, cultural consciousness, and public inspiration.
The complex features 65-feet-high bronze statues of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, symbolising their seminal contributions to India's political thought, nation-building, and public life. It also houses a state-of-the-art museum designed in the form of a lotus-shaped structure, spread over approximately 98,000 square feet.
The museum showcases India's national journey and the contributions of these visionary leaders through advanced digital and immersive technologies, offering visitors an engaging and educational experience.