Lucknow, Dec 25, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow on the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, highlighting the enduring legacy of India’s leaders while criticizing the Congress and Samajwadi Party for allegedly undermining national icons like Baba Saheb Ambedkar.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi claimed that post-independence, there was a tendency among certain political families to attribute all development and initiatives in India to themselves. He said, “Whether it be books, government schemes, government institutions, streets, roads, or squares, it was all connected to the pride of one family.” He further alleged that the Congress in Delhi and the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh had “committed the sin” of destroying Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s legacy.

Highlighting the BJP’s efforts, PM Modi stated, “But the BJP did not let Baba Saheb’s legacy be destroyed. Today, from Delhi to London, Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s Panch Teerth is celebrating his legacy.” The Panch Teerth comprises five key locations marking major phases of Ambedkar’s life: his birthplace in Mhow (Madhya Pradesh), study site in London, Deeksha Bhoomi in Nagpur, Mahaparinirvan Sthal in Delhi, and Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai.

Transformation of Rashtra Prerna Sthal
PM Modi also emphasized the transformation of the 65-acre site, which was previously a garbage dump, into a landmark memorial costing approximately ₹230 crore. The complex now features 65-feet-high bronze statues of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It houses a 98,000-square-foot museum, designed in a lotus shape, using advanced digital and immersive technologies to showcase India’s national journey and the contributions of these leaders.

National Integrity and Policy Highlights
During his address, the Prime Minister also credited Syama Prasad Mookerjee for challenging the dual Constitution and flag system in Jammu & Kashmir and acknowledged the BJP-led government’s role in dismantling Article 370. He highlighted the success of the UP government’s One District, One Product initiative, the state’s growing defence manufacturing corridor, and the digital revolution initiated under Vajpayee’s government, including laying the groundwork for Aadhaar and expanding telecom access across India.

PM Modi concluded by linking these initiatives to the philosophy of Antyodaya championed by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, stressing that India’s progress should be measured by the upliftment of the last person in society.

Rashtra Prerna Sthal is envisioned as a permanent national memorial promoting leadership values, national service, cultural awareness, and public inspiration. The site also serves as a tribute to the legacy of Vajpayee as Lucknow’s MP and aims to inspire citizens through the lives and contributions of India’s visionary leaders.

This inauguration marked a significant political and cultural event, intertwining the commemoration of national leaders with contemporary commentary on governance and the BJP’s vision for preserving India’s historical legacy and promoting inclusive development.