Chennai:Â India Inc paid a glowing tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, describing the former Prime Minister as a ‘great economic reformer’ under whose visionary leadership the country made rapid strides in economic growth.
Vajpayee’s death was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital where he was admitted on 11 June with a variety of ailments.
“All of us who knew Vajpayee are saddened to hear of his passing away. He was a great leader with a great sense of compassion and humour. He will be remembered fondly by a vast number of us,” said chairman, Tata Trusts, Ratan Tata.
“The second generation of economic reforms introduced under his visionary leadership contributed greatly to a facilitative investment climate which in turn promoted India’s rapid growth,” CII president Rakesh Bharti Mittal said.
“A great economic reformer, as a Prime Minister he was always guided by a strong conviction that liberalisation would help us realize our economic potential and ultimately open the doors to becoming a globally competitive, strong and resilient economy,” Bharti Enterprises, founder and chairman, Sunil Bharti Mittal said.
Mahindra Group chairman, Anand Mahindra said in a tweet, “RIP Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The leadership lesson that I learned from my interactions with him was that no matter how significant your achievements while in office, you ultimately earn the affection of people through your humanity and your humility.”
FICCI president Rashesh Shah said the former Prime Minister was one of the most dynamic leaders who ushered in an era of reforms, progress and took the country forward.
“He (Vajpayee) put the nation on fast track with initiatives like Golden Quadrilateral project, the New Telecom Policy, the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan and the Fiscal Responsibility Act that laid down the path for future governments to follow,” founder and chairman, Apollo Hospitals, Dr Prathap Reddy, said.
Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani said Vajpayee will inspire the generations to come. Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL) chairman Naveen Jindal said, “He was a great leader and excellent statesman who was loved and admired by all.”
Vedanta Resources Plc Group, chairman, Anil Agarwal said in a statement, “India has lost a true son of the soil, who rose from a very humble background to lead the country at a crucial juncture. An excellent orator, a mass leader, a fire power and a sensitive human being, Vajpayee was one of India’s tallest leaders and was the first to address United Nations in Hindi.”