Atal Bihari Vajpayee Biography: Books, Awards, Films, Songs, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Ethnicity, Obituary

Atal Bihari Vajpayee is an Indian politician known for his oratory skills and leadership.

He served as the Prime Minister of India three times, with his most extended term from 1999 to 2004.

Vajpayee played a pivotal role in shaping India’s foreign policy and economic reforms during his tenure.

His contributions to Indian politics and governance have been widely recognized and respected.

Profile

• Full name: Atal Bihari Vajpayee
• Date of birth: December 25, 1924
• Age as of 2025: Deceased
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
• State of origin: Madhya Pradesh
• Nationality: Indian
• Profession: Politician, Poet, Writer
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Krishna Bihari Vajpayee (father), Krishna Devi (mother)
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: N/A
• Children: Namita Bhattacharya (adopted daughter)
• Relationship status: Unmarried
• Religion: Hinduism
• Ethnicity: Brahmin
• Net worth: $2 million

Early Life and Education

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. His father, Krishna Bihari Vajpayee, was a school teacher and a poet, and his mother was Krishna Devi. He hailed from a Brahmin family and practiced Hinduism.  

Vajpayee completed his schooling in Gwalior and pursued higher education at Victoria College (now Laxmi Bai College) in Gwalior, where he earned a degree in Hindi, English, and Sanskrit. He later obtained a postgraduate degree in Political Science from DAV College, Kanpur, affiliated with Agra University.

Personal Life

Atal Bihari Vajpayee remained unmarried throughout his life. He had a close relationship with Rajkumari Kaul, a college friend. Though they never married, Vajpayee adopted her daughter, Namita Bhattacharya, as his own. Namita and her family lived with Vajpayee, and he shared a deep bond with them.  

Career

Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s political journey began with his involvement in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. He was elected to the Lok Sabha multiple times and became known for his eloquent speeches. Vajpayee served as the Prime Minister of India three times: briefly in 1996, from 1998 to 1999, and from 1999 to 2004.  

During his tenure, he focused on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and improving India’s global standing. His leadership was characterized by efforts to enhance India’s nuclear capabilities and foster improved relations with neighbouring countries.

Awards

• Bharat Ratna: 2015
• Padma Vibhushan: 1992
• Lokmanya Tilak Award: 1994
• Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant Award for Best Parliamentarian: 1994
• Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from Kanpur University: 1993

Net Worth

Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s net worth was estimated at $2 million. His wealth primarily came from his political career and writings.  

Death

Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away on August 16, 2018, at the age of 93, due to health complications. He was given a state funeral, and his death was mourned across the nation.

Controversy

Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s political career was not without controversies. One notable incident was his speech during an election rally in Assam, where he addressed the issue of illegal migration.

Critics argued that his remarks had communal overtones, leading to debates about his stance on secularism. Additionally, his tenure coincided with the Kargil War in 1999, which, although ultimately successful for India, raised questions about intelligence failures and preparedness.  

Vajpayee’s government also faced criticism over the handling of the Gujarat riots in 2002, with some accusing the administration of not acting swiftly to control the violence. Furthermore, his close association with the RSS led to concerns among secular groups about the influence of right-wing ideologies on his policies.  

Social Media

N/A

Filmography

• Main Atal Hoon (2024)

Discography

• Atal Ji Ka Antarmann (2013)
• Unki Yaad Karein (2013)
• Jeevan Ki Dhalne Lagi Hai Saanjh (2013)
• Kshama Karo Bapu Tum Humko (2013)

Books

• Twenty-One Poems
• God Will Make You Successful in Life
• A Constructive Parliamentarian
• मेरी इक्यावन कविताएँ
• Chuni Hui Kavitayein
• Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Selected Speeches
• Bindu-Bindu Vichara
• Four Decades in Parliament
• मेरी संसदीय यात्रा
• Decisive Days
• Selected Poems
• Kuchh Lekh Kuchh Bhaashan