In the collective consciousness of the nation, good governance — predicated on reforms with a human face — remains synonymous with my mentor and former Prime Minister (PM), Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Atalji emerged as one of the tallest figures in post-Independence politics, captivating the nation with his eloquence and pragmatic leadership. As the curtains come down on the celebrations of his centenary year, I seek to sum up some of his many accomplishments, as also my association with someone who shaped my character, career and convictions.

It was Vajpayee’s firm conviction that in Bharat, the world’s largest democracy, with its heterogeneity and diversity of socio-economic layers, the edifice of good governance — Surajya or Sushasan — should serve as the foundation of a people-centric model that would drive development. His concept of Surajya or Sushasan echoed the philosophy of Antyodaya — a model emphasising inclusive development and ensuring that development initiatives would have last-mile coverage across our vast nation. Vajpayee’s responsive model of good governance, focussed on people-centric services like education, health care, sanitation, water supply, electricity, security and safety, always resonated with me; throughout my long journey in public life, I have attempted to walk in his........

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