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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday received on behalf of Atal Behari Vajpayee Bangladesh's prestigious Liberation War Honour for his "active role" in the country's freedom struggle, saying the BJP veteran was an "inspiration" to him and other political workers.
President Abdul Hamid handed over the Bangladesh Liberation War Honour to Modi at a glittering ceremony at Bangabhaban, the President's house, as a 90-year-old Vajpayee is unwell and unable to travel.
The function was attended by Premier Hasina, her Cabinet colleagues, eminent citizens, diplomats and top Bangladeshi officials.
Modi, while receiving the honour, hailed Vajpayee's leadership, calling him a "great leader" and a source of inspiration for political workers including him.
"This day is a matter of great pride for all Indians that a great leader like Atal Behari Vajpayee is being honoured. He dedicated his entire life to the service of the country , fought for the rights of the common man and from a political point of view, he was an inspiration for political workers, including myself," Modi said after receiving the award.
Recalling Vajpayee's support to Bangladesh's freedom struggle, Modi said the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, under Vajpayee's leadership had organised a satyagraha supporting the Liberation War and as a "young volunteer", he had come from his village to attend it.
The Prime Minister said as a young volunteer, he along with every Indian, wanted the dream of Bangladeshi people to come true.
"When you fought a battle of pride, I was among the Indians who whole-heartedly wanted your dream to come true," Modi said to a thunderous applause.
"When muktijodhas (freedom fighters) of Bangladesh were shedding blood, Indians too were fighting side-by-side to help people of Bangladesh realise their dream," he said.
