10 Profound Quotes That Reveal the Wordsmith in Atal Bihari Vajpayee on His 92nd Birthday

“One day you may become an ex-prime minister, but you will never become an ex-poet!” Atal Bihari Bajpayee had once said.

And he was right. Besides being one of the most revered Indian politicians, the tenth Prime Minister of India, and an extraordinary orator, Atal ji (as he is fondly called), is a celebrated poet of all times. For years, he has given us motivation, courage, and wisdom through his words.

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As the poet turns 92, here are 10 profound lines from his poems. Happy Birthday, Atal ji!

It’s dark in the middle of the day
The sun is defeated by its shadow
Squeeze the oil from your soul
and light the wick,
Come let’s light a lamp again!
~

My Lord,
Never let me climb so high
That I am unable to embrace another stranger,
Deliver me ever from such arrogance!
~

In a deal not so profitable,
All I received were a couple of days
Should I count each moment;
Or just spend it every way?
Which path should I follow?
~

Why shouldn’t I live every moment to the fullest?
Why shouldn’t I admire the beauty in every fragment?
~

The cycle of being and not being
Will continue till eternity,
So will our illusion
That we are, we will be.
~

Everything is at stake, there’s no option to stop now
We can break at this point, but we cannot bend now!
~

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What is the age of death? Not even a couple of moments
Life is a progression, it’s not a matter of a day or two!
~

Let the adversities strike,
Let there be catastrophes dire
Let there be embers under our soles,
Let it shower flare,
With that fire in our hands,
Smiling, we have to burn
We have to move forward, together!
~

I am able to see myself
From the eyes of others,
I am neither silent, nor am I singing!
~

Also read: “Every Artist Needs a Stage” – And This Art Community Is Offering Just That!

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