Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said the legacy of three great leaders -- Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Deendayal Upadhyaya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee who gave India a new direction -- is being carried forward by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create a self-reliant and developed nation.

He was addressing a gathering at the inauguration of the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal here on the occasion of Vajpayee's 101st birth anniversary.

"It is a moment of pride for all...," he said those gathered for the memorial inaugurated by Modi.

"The legacy of three great leaders -- Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Deendayal Upadhyaya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee -- who gave India a new direction, is being carried forward in the form of a self-reliant and developed nation," the UP CM added.

Adityanath hailed Modi as the "saarthi (charioteer) of Amrit Kaal", the architect of a self-reliant and developed India and the "world's most popular leader".

Paying tribute to Vajpayee, he said the former prime minister's words about a brighter future for India were not merely expressions of hope but a reflection of his far-sighted vision, deep faith and firm resolve for the nation.

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The UP CM said when Vajpayee in his poem spoke of "darkness lifting, the sun rising and the lotus blooming", it symbolised his unwavering belief in India's bright future, a vision that is now visible in the form of a developed India.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and BJP state president Bhupendra Chaudhary were also present at the event.