Honoring Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Good Governance Day Celebrations in Manali
Nation Commemorates Good Governance Day
On December 25, 2025, the nation celebrates the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, marking it as Good Governance Day. In the picturesque town of Manali, located in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district, residents reflect on their deep affection and sense of loss for the leader.
Vajpayee's profound connection with Himachal Pradesh, especially with Manali and the nearby Prini village, sets him apart as a national figure who embraced the mountains as his second home.
A Leader with a Heart for the Hills
Throughout India, Vajpayee is remembered as a guiding light for countless BJP supporters and a statesman whose vision for inclusive development and integrity in administration earned him admiration across political divides. Tributes have been pouring in, celebrating his legacy of simplicity, dialogue, and democratic principles.
Vajpayee served as Prime Minister from March 19, 1999, to May 22, 2004, and spent significant time in Manali, where he managed official duties from his residence in Prini village. His home often functioned as an extension of the Prime Minister’s Office during his annual visits in June, showcasing governance from the serene Himalayan backdrop.
A Beloved Figure in the Community
Vajpayee's relationship with Manali began in 1968, when he first visited the area. Enchanted by its beauty, he developed a lasting bond with the region, ultimately building a home in Prini after 1992. The local community embraced him, referring to him as 'Mukhiya,' while elders affectionately called him 'Chachu' and children knew him as 'Mama.'
Despite his high status, he engaged with villagers as a family elder, addressing their concerns and sharing in their joys and challenges. Residents fondly recall how he prioritized time for them, even amidst political commitments, reinforcing his belief in grassroots governance.
Tributes and Remembrance
On this significant day, floral tributes were laid at Manali’s Mall Road, where citizens and political activists gathered to honor Vajpayee. Speakers highlighted his unique ability to earn respect from both supporters and opponents, praising his eloquence, statesmanship, and compassionate governance.
Good Governance Day serves as a reminder of Vajpayee’s commitment to transparent administration, cooperative federalism, and equitable development.
Legacy of the Atal Tunnel
Vajpayee's lasting impact in Himachal Pradesh is epitomized by the Atal Tunnel at Rohtang, a project initiated during his leadership to ensure year-round access to Lahaul-Spiti. This tunnel symbolizes his dedication to overcoming geographical challenges for national unity.
In October 2020, the tunnel was inaugurated, and the Himachal Pradesh government had previously named it 'Atal Tunnel Rohtang' in December 2019, honoring Vajpayee’s vision.
A Poet's Legacy
In 2004, Vajpayee planted a deodar sapling in Prini village, which has now matured into a 21-year-old tree, carefully tended by locals and serving as a living tribute to his connection with the area.
Beyond politics, Vajpayee's poetic spirit thrived in Manali's landscapes. He frequently visited local schools, sharing his poetry with students and donating a collection of his works, which are preserved to this day. Many of his literary pieces reflect the region's natural beauty.