Rajnath Singh Unveils Portraits of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Madan Mohan Malviya in Delhi Assembly
In a significant event at the Delhi Assembly, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled portraits of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Madan Mohan Malviya, highlighting their immense contributions to India's democracy and culture. Singh posed a thought-provoking question about embracing their values and legacies. The event also featured the launch of a coffee table book titled 'Bharat Mata,' celebrating Indian nationalism through various artistic expressions. Notable figures, including Delhi's Chief Minister and other dignitaries, attended the ceremony, which included a cultural program reflecting India's rich heritage. This occasion serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of these national icons.
| Jan 3, 2026, 17:46 IST
A Moment of Pride at the Delhi Assembly
On Saturday, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled portraits of Bharat Ratna recipients Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya at the Delhi Assembly, calling it a moment of pride. During his speech, Singh emphasized that while the unveiling of these portraits is a significant occasion for us, it also poses an unspoken question: Are we ready to embrace their value systems and carry forward their legacies? Are we working with the same integrity, empathy, and vision that they exemplified?
In this context, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta convened a high-level meeting on January 1 with senior officials from various departments, including the Delhi Police, as stated in an official release. The installation of these portraits in the assembly building symbolizes deep respect and a lasting tribute to the invaluable contributions of these two national figures to India's democracy, education, culture, and public life.
During the event, a coffee table book titled "Bharat Mata" was launched, showcasing Indian nationalism through art, architecture, and literature. This publication is dedicated to the creative and artistic expression of India's national consciousness and was released to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the national anthem, Vande Mataram. The central defense minister attended the event as the chief guest, alongside Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Padma Bhushan awardee Ram Bahadur Rai, the chairman of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, who were present as distinguished guests.
Other notable attendees included Parvesh Sahib Singh, the legislative affairs minister of the Delhi government, and Mohan Singh Bisht, the vice-chairman of the Delhi Assembly. The assembly speaker presided over the event. According to the release, in celebration of the national day, artists from the Literary Arts Council presented a patriotic cultural program reflecting India's rich artistic and national heritage.