Rajnath Singh to Unveil Portraits of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Madan Mohan Malaviya at Delhi Assembly

Delhi assembly speaker Vijender Gupta on Thursday informed that the defence minister Rajnath Singh will unveil the portraits of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya at the Delhi Legislative Assembly on January 3.

Officials informed that the portraits will be installed in the assembly house as a mark of deep respect and as a lasting tribute to the monumental contributions of these two national icons to India’s democracy, education, culture and public life. The programme will also witness the release of a coffee table book titled “Bharat Mata” which presents Indian nationalism as expressed through painting, architecture and literature.

''The publication is dedicated to the creative and artistic expression of India’s national consciousness and commemorates 150 years of the composition of the National Song Vande Mataram. In this regard, a high-level meeting was convened by the speaker Vijender Gupta, with senior officers of various departments including Delhi Police.'' officials added

The programme will be attended by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the Chief Guest. The event will also be attended by Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and Padma Bhushan Ram Bahadur Rai. Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma, Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht, and Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly Vijender Gupta. Artists from Sahitya Kala Parishad will perform a patriotic cultural program.

During the high-level meeting convened for the preparations of the programme with senior officers of the Delhi Police, Public Works Department, Horticulture Department, Fire Services, Health Department, and officials of the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat.

Delhi assembly speaker Vijender Gupta, issued necessary directions to ensure proper arrangements for the smooth conduct of the programme, with special emphasis on security, crowd management, traffic regulation, parking facilities, fire safety and medical preparedness. It was informed that around 1,000 people are expected to attend the programme, and all concerned departments were instructed to maintain close coordination to ensure a safe, orderly and dignified event.

Officials stated that Atal Bihari Vajpayee, an eminent statesman, three-time Prime Minister, and a celebrated orator-poet, played a pivotal role in shaping modern India. His visionary leadership strengthened national security, advanced economic reforms, and uplifted India’s global stature. Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, a revered freedom fighter, education reformer, and parliamentarian, worked tirelessly for India’s independence and social upliftment. He staunchly opposed the oppressive Rowlatt Act and delivered five historic speeches against it, one lasting six and a half hours. As a member of the Imperial Legislative Council (1910–1920), he delivered 240 speeches and later 200 more in the Central Legislative Assembly (1924–1930), creating a record of 440 influential speeches dedicated to the welfare of the nation.

Delhi assembly speaker Vijender Gupta stated that the installation of these portraits is a meaningful homage to two towering national figures whose lives were dedicated to the service of the nation and the strengthening of democratic values. He observed that their lives and contributions embody ideals of patriotism, courage and public service, which continue to inspire elected representatives and citizens alike. Speaking about the coffee table book “Bharat Mata”, he said that the publication brings together visual and literary representations that trace the evolution of India’s national thought and cultural identity, offering readers a deeper understanding of how the idea of the nation has been expressed across different artistic traditions.

Officials stated that the coffee table book “Bharat Mata”, to be released on the occasion, is a thoughtfully curated publication that presents the idea of Indian nationalism through diverse artistic and cultural expressions. Bringing together select works of painting, architecture and literature, the book reflects the evolution of national consciousness and the emotional bond between the nation and its people. Published to mark 150 years of the composition of the National Song Vande Mataram, the volume seeks to highlight how artistic traditions have played a vital role in shaping and sustaining India’s sense of identity, unity and cultural pride across generations.