On May 17th, 2023, the Atal Foundation organized the National Atal Tribute Ceremony and musical Atal Gaatha at the Prime Minister’s Museum, Teen Murti Bhavan in New Delhi, to commemorate the first term of the late former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Following the musical performance, all 18 selected personalities from across India were honored by the Chief Guest, former Union Minister and Member of Parliament, Shri Mahesh Sharma, during the Atal Tribute Ceremony.
During the ceremony, the Chief Guest spoke about Vajpayee’s unique contribution as one of the greatest Indian statesmen in Indian society and praised the Atal Foundation for its efforts to fulfill his dreams. Acharya Shri Rajesh and Member of the Women’s Commission of Uttar Pradesh, Neelima Dixit, thanked all the guests who attended this ceremony. Neelima Dixit said, “I welcome all the participants who have come from different states to this program, representing the Atal Foundation’s state presidents and officials, from the depths of my heart.”
Aparna Singh, the National President of the Atal Foundation, announced two new schemes, Atal Kanyadan and Atal Kisan Yojana, to help fulfill Vajpayee’s vision for the nation.
The Atal Kanyadan Yojana will provide Rs. 21,000 or equivalent items to newly married couples who submit their wedding card to the organization, while the Atal Kisan Yojana aims to organize gatherings in various parts of the country to make farmers aware of progressive schemes.
Aparna Singh, National President of the Atal Foundation, said, “Atal Ji always stood for human values. Since 2018, the Atal Foundation has been working legally in social service. Today, through the Atal Foundation, Atal Seva Kendras have been opened in 15 states.” Avinash Rai Khanna Ji appealed to everyone to join the Atal Foundation, for a great nation.
The Atal Samman ceremony awarded 10 items to individuals in 18 categories, including Education, Health, Sports, Science, Social Work, Politics, Art, Clean India, Peace, Literature, Environment, Agriculture, Women Empowerment, Harmony, Bravery, Nature Conservation, Make in India, and Lifetime Achievements. The items included a special gemstone necklace, a silver emblem, a cash prize of Rs. 11,000, ceremonial clothing, a special bag and mask for the event, the book “Smritiyan Atal Hain” (Memories are Atal), and a certificate of honor.
The 18 dignitaries who received the Atal Samman awards this year were Dr. Ragini Bhushan for her significant contribution to Sanskrit literature, Pushpata Avasthi for her contribution to Hindi poetry and compilation, Junior Ali for being the youngest martial art black belt, Dr. Anu Sinha for her contributions to theater arts in India and abroad, Anju Warrior for her efforts in women empowerment as a National Executive Member of the BJP Women’s Wing, Dr. Sunil Sahdev for his renowned expertise in Ayurvedic medicine, Nares Chand Gupta for his contribution as a prominent freedom fighter in Western Uttar Pradesh, Yogendra Yadav, a Param Vir Chakra recipient, for his bravery, Avneesh Singh Vishen, CEO of Encrypt India Private Limited, for his contribution to the Make in India initiative, Pramashish Bhattacherjee for his social service in Kolkata, West Bengal, Sandeep Rana for his efforts in the Clean India campaign, Justice RB Sharma for his contribution to national consciousness, Sunil Rawat for his dedication as a senior national volunteer, Acharya Rajesh Ojha for his recognition in the field of astrology, and Gramin Udaipur MLA Phool Singh Meena for his popularity as a grassroots leader.
The Atal Foundation is doing commendable work in fulfilling Vajpayee’s dreams by recognizing individuals who are making a difference in society. The Atal Samman ceremony is a great way to honor and celebrate those who are contributing to a better India.