What words do you use to describe a man whose words are quoted by millions? The passing of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee drowns the nation, and Indians the world over, in deep sorrow and mourning.
A legendary statesman, an enthralling orator, a man whose poems could evoke strong emotions… and yet, a man oozing simplicity.
The legacy of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee is that love and respect for him transcended politics. And this is evident from the tributes that poured in, in the wake of his passing.
From politicians, business tycoons, and journalists to sportsmen, Bollywood celebrities and TV actors, Vajpayeeji had managed to touch so many hearts. And all these people came together to celebrate his life and what he stood for.
From quoting verses of Atalji’s poems to reminiscing about meeting him, the touching tributes made for a cathartic memorium.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a Twitter thread, quoting Vajpayee’s poem as he expressed his grief.
मैं नि:शब्द हूं, शून्य में हूं, लेकिन भावनाओं का ज्वार उमड़ रहा है।
हम सभी के श्रद्धेय अटल जी हमारे बीच नहीं रहे। अपने जीवन का प्रत्येक पल उन्होंने राष्ट्र को समर्पित कर दिया था। उनका जाना, एक युग का अंत है।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2018
लेकिन वो हमें कहकर गए हैं-
“मौत की उमर क्या है? दो पल भी नहीं,
ज़िन्दगी सिलसिला, आज कल की नहीं
मैं जी भर जिया, मैं मन से मरूं,
लौटकर आऊँगा, कूच से क्यों डरूं?”— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2018
अटल जी आज हमारे बीच में नहीं रहे, लेकिन उनकी प्रेरणा, उनका मार्गदर्शन, हर भारतीय को, हर भाजपा कार्यकर्ता को हमेशा मिलता रहेगा। ईश्वर उनकी आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करे और उनके हर स्नेही को ये दुःख सहन करने की शक्ति दे। ओम शांति !
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2018
President Ram Nath Kovind called Atalji ‘the Gentle Giant’….
Extremely sad to hear of the passing of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, our former Prime Minister and a true Indian statesman. His leadership, foresight, maturity and eloquence put him in a league of his own. Atalji, the Gentle Giant, will be missed by one and all #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 16, 2018
Rahul Gandhi and former President Pranab Mukherjee too expressed their condolences on the passing of a great son of Indian and a political titan.
Today India lost a great son. Former PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, was loved and respected by millions. My condolences to his family & all his admirers. We will miss him. #AtalBihariVajpayee
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 16, 2018
My letter of Condolence to Smt. Namita Bhattacharya on the passing away of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. pic.twitter.com/0NGl6R8yRY
— Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) August 16, 2018
Smriti Irani mourned her ‘Baapji’….
Bharat Ratna, former Prime Minister, poet politician, my Baapji left for heavenly abode. Om Shanti 🙏
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) August 16, 2018
Anand Mahindra shared a video of a powerful speech by Vajpayee about how democracy ought to be practiced.
From now on, we must ask every school-going child and every parliamentarian to view this video (subtitled for non-hindi speakers) so that it is hard-wired into their minds…This is a required course in how Indian Democracy should be practised.. pic.twitter.com/hgVsa5WY2n
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) August 17, 2018
All of us who knew Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee are saddened to hear of his passing away. He was a great leader with a great sense of compassion and humor. He will be remembered fondly by a vast number of us.
— Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) August 16, 2018
Journalist Shekhar Gupta had an interesting anecdote to share about the kind of PM Vajpayee was.
Confession: I once told Vajpayee I’d never voted for him. He squirmed in mock horror & said “abhi kuchch aur mashaqqat karni padegi,” (I’ll need to slog harder). Here was a PM you could tell you didn’t vote for, and it didn’t affect the trust, affection & time he gave you. RIP
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) August 16, 2018
Cricketers too joined in memoriam of this great statesman.
India is at a great loss today. Shri #AtalBihariVajpayee ji’s contributions to our nation have been innumerable. Thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 16, 2018
A man of class and dignity. Always put India first. #AtalBihariVajpayee
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 16, 2018
My deepest condolences on the passing of our former Prime Minister Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. One of the few politicians I always respected for his honesty and devotion to the national cause. May his soul rest in peace.
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 16, 2018
And Sehwag, true to his style, paid his tribute with a few poetic lines….
Asaman ko choo gaya, jo asmaan sa vishal tha, dharti mein simat gaya, jo mitti jaisa narm tha.
Kaun hai jo Atal reh paya zindagi bhar, Atal banke wo zindagi ko paa gaya.
Om Shanti #AtalBihariVajpayee ji 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/56Xi1sqzEf— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 16, 2018
TV actors grieving the loss of Vajpayeeji….
I'm moved by the love this nation has for #AtalBihariVajpayee ji
Loved across all political spectrums.
Loved not only as a leader, poet, orator but also as a lovely human being…. #endofanera my condolences to the entire family 🙏— Karanvir Bohra (@KVBohra) August 16, 2018
Kavita Kaushik’s quoting of Vajpayee’s iconic statement aptly echoed the emotion of the entire nation about his passing….
Ye acchi baat nahi hai …. 🙏🏼
— Kavita (@Iamkavitak) August 16, 2018
Bollywood celebrities had many things to say about the former PM….
Extremely saddened to learn of the passing away of former Prime Minister Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. Apart from being one of the greatest statesman India has seen, he was a great man of ‘Peace’. He spread love everywhere he went… May he rest in peace. 🙏#AtalBihariVaajpayee pic.twitter.com/6DX03wi2Zx
— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) August 16, 2018
Anupam Kher shared a video of himself reciting one of Atalji’s most quoted poems….
Thank you #AtalBihariVaajpayeeJi for your LIFE and your LESSONS.🙏🇮🇳#TallestLeaderOfIndia pic.twitter.com/Rk2S6QSqVC
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) August 16, 2018
Randeep Hooda, too, quoted the poem in his tribute.
Over come with such deep sadness..
Bharat has lost its Ratan #Atalji🙏
..
“मौत की उमर क्या है? दो पल भी नहीं,
ज़िन्दगी सिलसिला, आज कल की नहीं
मैं जी भर जिया, मैं मन से मरूं,
लौटकर आऊँगा, कूच से क्यों डरूं?” #अटल_बिहारी_बाजपेयी #AtalBihariVaajpayee pic.twitter.com/eTkzyAJRy8— Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) August 16, 2018
A very apt description of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s political legacy….
He had no enemy in politics because he believed that in politics there are no enemies…only opposition! RIP- Atal ji . Aum Shanti.
— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) August 16, 2018
Amitabh Bachchan recounted how Vajpayee was an admirer of fellow poet Harivanshrai Bachchan’s work, and vice versa.
T 2902 – Atal Bihari Vajpai (1924 – 2018 ) भावपूर्ण श्रधांजलि ; एक महान नेता , प्रख्यात कवि , अद्भुत वक्ता व प्रवक्ता , मिलनसार व्यक्तित्व ।
बाबूजी के प्रशंसक , और बाबूजी उनके ..
An admirer of my Father's works and vice versa ; gentle nature, strong fiery in his speeches pic.twitter.com/KtH9HEABkd— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) August 16, 2018
Shabana Azmi spoke about Vajpayee’s handling of his opponents with utmost grace.
Farewell Atalji.I was priveleged to know you and revel in the memories of having shared some precious moments They dont make them like you any more ..A tall leader a true statesman and the epitome of firmness without malice when handling an opponent. Respect
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) August 16, 2018
It’s a sad sad day. Shri #AtalBihariVaajpayee ji no more. It is such a huge loss to our nation. We were blessed to have been lead by him. One of my favourite Prime Ministers. Condolences to the family and billions of Indians world over. pic.twitter.com/ZFj9LDRweX
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) August 16, 2018
Hrithik Roshan shared pictures from his meeting with Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Met Atalji a few times in my life. Each time was special. I remember him as an extremely kind hearted man. May his soul rest in peace. #RIPAtalBihariVaajpayee pic.twitter.com/fRXs6Pgn6W
— Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) August 16, 2018
Dia Mirza paid tribute to the man by quoting one of his statements.
“Let no one challenge India's secularism.” – Atal Bihari Vajpayee #Salute #Respect
Growing up in India in the 1980’s and 90’s one can never forget what a deep impact #AtalBihariVaajpayee ji made on us… he was a great statesman and leader. #RIP— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) August 16, 2018
Former Prime Minister Shri #AtalBihariVajpayee's visionary ideas and contributions for India were truly remarkable. The nation will always remember… #RIP
My thoughts and condolences to the family.— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) August 16, 2018
For me he was one of India’s greatest leaders loved and respected by all. He will be missed. RIP #AtalBihariVajpayee pic.twitter.com/yRnDfCalIT
— John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) August 16, 2018
Vishal Dadlani remarked how they don’t make orators like Atal Bihari Vajpayee anymore!
A Titan has departed. There was more impact and gravitas in the pauses between his words, than there are in the petty political speeches we hear these days. #AtalBihariVaajpayee
— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 16, 2018
Whether you agreed with him or not, you couldn't help but respect the sheer statesmanship, wisdom and eloquence of the man. RIP #AtalBihariVajpayee
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) August 16, 2018
Anil Kapoor’s heartfelt tribute to one of his childhood idols….
Today, our country lost a visionary leader & I lost one of my childhood idols…The passing of #AtalBihariVajpayeeji is even more saddening in light of all that he inspired & accomplished in his time with us. My deepest respect & condolences to his family… pic.twitter.com/fRSgp7ZvkH
— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) August 16, 2018
One of the few statesman who brought dignity and esteem to politics. His dream and steadfast application of Road connectivity changed and continues to change millions of lives in our country. Bowing with respect to our beloved leader #AtalBihariVajpayee ji.
— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) August 16, 2018
One legend paid tribute to another….
Rishitulya purva pradhan mantri Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji ke swargwas ki vaarta sunke mujhe aise (cont) https://t.co/1w1sEjs1eB
— Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata) August 16, 2018
Shah Rukh Khan’s tweet was accompanied by anecdotes of how his father wold take him to see Vajpayee’s speech in Delhi….
For The Poet Prime Minister of our country, love you Baapji…https://t.co/IKTYouMdiy pic.twitter.com/kLO4JAHvNu
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 16, 2018
However, the video that he attached with his tweet was the one to see.
The video Is of a poem written by Vajpayee, and rendered by ghazal maestro, the late Jagjit Singh. The introduction of the video was written by Javed Akhtar and narrated by Amitabh Bachchan. The video featured SRK and was directed by another legend, the late Yash Chopra.
https://youtu.be/2Im6b_jFuO4
Rest in peace, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.