DHAKA: India Prime Minister Narendra Modi volunteered a ‘Satyagraha’ movement organized by Jan Sangha under the leadership of former India premier Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.
Modi recalled his contribution to the war while receiving the Bangladesh Liberation War Award on behalf of Atal Bihari Vajpayee at President Abdul Hamid’s residence-cum-office Bangabhaban on Sunday.
Modi said, “Under Vajpayeeji's leadership when Jan Sangha organized ‘Satyagraha’ for (Bangladesh) liberation war, I came as a volunteer from my village to Delhi.”
“This war which was full of pride for people of Bangladesh, every Indian also wanted this dream to be realized,” he added.
“It's a moment of great honor and pride for me and the people of India.”
“(Vajpayee is) A great leader who dedicated his entire life for the service of country, fought for the rights of common people is being honored today (Sunday).”
“Inspiration for so many people like me, Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee is being honored by Bangladesh.”
According to Modi, “Atalji is a source of inspiration for many party workers like me, I express my gratitude to Bangladesh”.
Modi said, “On this auspicious occasion I would like to quote from a speech that Vajpayeeji delivered on 6th December 1971.”
Citing Vajpayee, Modi said, “By recognizing Bangladesh we have taken a step in the right direction, the process of changing history is unfolding before our eyes. Today for Bangladesh’s freedom the liberation fighters and Indian jawans are fighting side to side shedding their blood. This blood will give rise to a relationship which will not break under any pressure, which will not be a target of any diplomacy”.
Modi went on saying, “I was also among those million Indians who wanted full heartedly that this dream (of interdependence) be realized”.
“If Atalji's health was in good condition and he himself had received this award, this moment would have been even greater. Atalji fought for rights of common people,” he opined.
“The time has come to renew our commitment and take our relationship forward, the way Vajpayeeji described it,” Modi hoped.
BDST: 1428 HRS, JUN 07, 2015
HB/RR/SMS
