When news of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s deteriorating health hit the headlines on 16th August, the nation’s eyes were glued to the news channels, praying desperately for a glimmer of hope. All roads for the politicians (specially BJP) led to AIIMS, to see for the last time, this great leader who was instrumental in bringing BJP to the forefront and making it a major political party since its inception in 1980.
Thrice elected Prime Minister of India; albeit for the first time for just 13 days in 1996, it was no mean feat for Atal Bihari Vajpayee to oust the Congress and lead the BJP to victory as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha. The rest, as they say, is history.
Born on 25 December 1924, Mr Vajpayee was a typical Capricorn: Hard working, committed, ambitious while being practical, friendly, charming and outgoing.
Capricorn is considered to be the 10th House of the Zodiac, which decides the social status of the native. Capricorn men are rare and this adds to their uniqueness.
Ruled by the Saturn, the second largest celestial planet, Vajpayee’s personality was ‘large’ too. Saturn was responsible in helping Atal Bihari Vajpayee to succeed in his goals as this planet demands discipline while adding structure to one’s life. It ensured that Shri Vajpayee reached a great height in his career through hard work, focus and perseverance. Saturn infuses Capricorn men with enormous energy such that people around them can find them exhausting!
Capricorn men, enjoy the respect that comes with power and this trait ‘needles’ them to lead. Add to this, their intelligence and you have a perfect combination for a successful leader.
Being a Cardinal sign, Capricorn has the ability to motivate others. Because of this trait, this BJP maestro managed to make his party a popular alternative to the Nehruvian socialism and bring it to an International level of recognition.
This Earth Sign represented stability in the party. While his contemporary and close politician friend, veteran Shri L.K Advani, is considered to have his hand in the demolition of Babri Masjid, Vajpayee had a more moderate outlook on this issue. He was the stable pillar because of which ‘such activities’ of the party was ‘reigned’ in.
Inspite of his workaholic nature, a Capricorn can be playful. This is evident in the wonderful poetry that Shri Vajpayee would pen and being an exceptional orator, enjoyed reciting some of the satire version even in the parliament! His speeches were never boring and instead, were a source of inspiration for everyone.
Capricorns love their freedom and maybe that was the reason the former Prime Minister never got married.
Capricorns make great friends and senior BJP leader, L K Advani can vouch for this. They were friends first and colleagues later. A friendship that can last for over 65 years, in a political profession, is a bench mark in itself!
Today, we remember, with a tear in our eye, this great leader and poet, through his very poem:
Hari hari doob par
Oss ki boondein
Abhi thee,
Abhi nahi hain!
Aisee khushiyaan
Jo hamesha hamaara saath dein
Kabhi nahi thee
Kahin nahi hain!