Govt to highlight Lahore pact, Pokhran on Atal's birthday

NEW DELHI: The BJP government is planning a big splash on former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's birthday, the first after the Modi government took over, including a 30-minute documentary capturing the highlights of his tenure like the Pokhran blasts, Lahore declaration and key governance initiatives such as the National Highway programme and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna.
Sources said efforts are being made to speak to significant political leaders on Vajpayee's contribution to the country and will be part of the documentary. Among those who may be part of the film are former President A P J Abdul Kalam, PM Narendra Modi and I&B minister Arun Jaitley. The government has announced that it will celebrate Vajpayee's birthday on December 25 as “sushasan diwas'' or good governance day . All departments have been tasked with highlighting initiatives taken towards improving governance in their sphere.
In line with this, the information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry has drawn up a campaign that will include all media platforms. Publications Division has been tasked with publishing a book of the former PM's po ems. While Doordarshan has been asked to prepare a documentary , All India Radio will release a CD of the former PM's famous, impactful speeches including his speech at the UN Millennium Summit in 1998 describing the US and India as “natural allies''. The coinage stuck and has been used by diplomats and politicians since.
The ministry will issue print ads on the day and hold a photo exhibition.Sources said the campaign will focus on Vajpayee's contribution to foreign policy.