Grand Screening of Panchjanya’s Documentary “Amit Atal: The Unforgettable Atal”; RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale and Veteran Thinker Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi Share Personal Recollections
New Delhi, July 6: Panchjanya, the weekly magazine dedicated to nationalist thought and ideological journalism, organized the grand premiere of its special documentary, “Amit Atal: The Unforgettable Atal,” based on the extraordinary life and legacy of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at the Vichar Vinimay Nyas Auditorium in Jhandewalan, New Delhi.
The event was graced by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarkaryawah Shri Dattatreya Hosabale as the Chief Guest and eminent thinker and senior statesman Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi as the Guest of Honour.
The programme was also attended by Panchjanya Editor Shri Hitesh Shankar, along with distinguished intellectuals, writers, and journalists.
Addressing the gathering, RSS Sarkaryawah Shri Dattatreya Hosabale congratulated the Panchjanya team for producing an outstanding documentary.
He said, “This documentary is highly relevant and deeply moving. Watching it brought alive many historical moments and cherished memories associated with Atal Ji.”
Recalling Vajpayee’s early years, Shri Hosabale noted that at just 27 years of age, Atal Ji was entrusted with the responsibility of becoming the founding editor of Panchjanya, inspired by Shraddheya Bhaurao Deoras and guided by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
He observed that Atal Ji left an indelible mark on the nation through his writing, poetry, and powerful oratory. His iconic poem, “Hindu Tan-Man, Hindu Jeevan, Rag-Rag Hindu Mera Parichay,” was first published in Panchjanya.
Speaking about Vajpayee’s commitment to Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Hosabale recalled that the first editorial published in Panchjanya carried the title, “We Will Not Allow Any Compromise on Jammu & Kashmir,” adding that Atal Ji remained steadfast in that resolve throughout his life.
Emphasizing the values of journalism, he said Atal Ji regarded journalism as a sacred mission and a form of penance. According to Vajpayee, a daily newspaper served as a medium of information, a weekly publication as a vehicle of public outreach, and a monthly journal as a platform for ideas. Shri Hosabale also appreciated Panchjanya for embracing modern technology while preserving its ideological commitment, stating that such efforts would help introduce the younger generation to the life of a true servant of India and a great national leader.
“He Never Compromised on Principles or Ideology”: Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi
Guest of Honour and longtime associate of Atal Ji, Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, shared emotional recollections of his association with Vajpayee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, dating back to 1948.
Reflecting on the Janata Party government, Dr. Joshi said that amid intense political turbulence, Atal Ji stood apart as a leader who always rose above partisan considerations. He also recalled that Vajpayee was among the first Indian leaders to visit China and openly criticize its policies with remarkable courage.
Highlighting Vajpayee’s deep bond with the RSS, Dr. Joshi recounted that when certain political groups sought to pressure him into severing ties with the Sangh, Atal Ji firmly declared, “Our umbilical cord is connected to the Sangh. How can we separate ourselves from it?” He further reminded Parliament that he would not even “touch with a pair of tongs” any government that required him to compromise on his principles.
Sharing an incident from his tenure as Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Dr. Joshi recalled the controversy surrounding the inclusion of Saraswati Vandana in schools. As Prime Minister, Vajpayee firmly stated, “If Saraswati Vandana cannot be observed under our government, then under whose government will it be? It certainly should be.” Dr. Joshi also noted Vajpayee’s enduring commitment to research and initiatives aimed at reviving the long-lost Saraswati River.
He concluded by saying that today’s India needs a leadership style rooted in strong conviction, principled thinking, and the ability to carry everyone along.