New Delhi:
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will unveil the portraits of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Bharat Ratna Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya at the Delhi Legislative Assembly on January 3, 2026. The announcement was made by Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, who described the event as a significant and historic moment for the Assembly. The portraits will be installed inside the Assembly House as a mark of deep respect and a lasting tribute to the extraordinary contributions of the two national icons to India’s democracy, education, culture and public life.
Along with the portrait unveiling, a special coffee table book titled *“Bharat Mata”* will also be released on the occasion. The publication presents Indian nationalism through the medium of painting, architecture and literature and has been brought out to commemorate 150 years of the composition of the national song *Vande Mataram*. The Speaker said the book reflects the evolution of India’s national consciousness and highlights the role of artistic expression in shaping the country’s cultural and ideological identity.
The programme will be attended by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the Chief Guest. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Padma Bhushan awardee Ram Bahadur Rai, Chairman of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, will be present as Distinguished Guests. The event will also see the presence of Parvesh Sahib Singh, Minister for Legislative Affairs, Government of Delhi, and Mohan Singh Bisht, Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. The function will be presided over by Speaker Vijender Gupta. In addition, artists from Sahitya Kala Parishad will present a patriotic cultural programme showcasing India’s rich artistic and national heritage.
Ahead of the event, Speaker Vijender Gupta chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials from the Delhi Police, Public Works Department, Horticulture Department, Fire Services, Health Department and the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat to assess preparedness for the programme. During the meeting, the Speaker issued detailed instructions to ensure that the event is conducted smoothly, safely and with due dignity. He stressed the need for robust security arrangements, effective crowd management, traffic regulation, adequate parking facilities, fire safety measures and medical preparedness, including the availability of ambulances.
Officials informed the Speaker that around 1,000 people are expected to attend the programme. All concerned departments have been directed to work in close coordination to ensure seamless execution of the event without any inconvenience to participants or the general public.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee was one of India’s most respected statesmen, serving as Prime Minister three times. A distinguished parliamentarian, powerful orator and acclaimed poet, Vajpayee played a decisive role in shaping modern India. His leadership strengthened national security, accelerated economic reforms and significantly enhanced India’s standing on the global stage. Widely admired across political lines, his commitment to democratic values and parliamentary traditions continues to inspire generations.
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, revered as Mahamana, was a towering figure in India’s freedom struggle and a leading educationist and parliamentarian. He dedicated his life to the cause of national independence, social reform and education. A strong opponent of the Rowlatt Act, he delivered five historic speeches against it, including one that lasted six and a half hours. He served as a member of the Imperial Legislative Council from 1910 to 1920 and later as a member of the Central Legislative Assembly from 1924 to 1930. During his parliamentary career, he delivered a total of 440 speeches devoted to national welfare, creating a remarkable record in India’s legislative history.
Speaking on the occasion, Speaker Vijender Gupta said that the installation of the portraits is a meaningful tribute to two towering personalities who devoted their lives to the service of the nation and the strengthening of democratic values. He said their ideals of patriotism, courage and public service continue to guide legislators and citizens alike.
Elaborating on the coffee table book *“Bharat Mata”*, the Speaker said the publication traces the journey of Indian national thought through visual and literary expressions. The book brings together carefully curated works of art, architecture and literature that reflect the emotional bond between the nation and its people. Published to mark 150 years of *Vande Mataram*, the volume underscores how cultural and artistic traditions have played a vital role in nurturing India’s unity, identity and national pride across generations.
The Delhi Legislative Assembly has expressed pride in commemorating the legacies of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Madan Mohan Malaviya through this special programme. The event is expected to serve as a reminder of their enduring contributions to democracy, public life and national development, while inspiring future generations to uphold the values and ideals they championed.
