On this Good Governance Day, December 25, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The event coincided with the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Here is an overview of the memorial’s significance and its key features.
From Waste to Wonder: A New Landmark for Lucknow
One of the most striking aspects of the project is its location. The site at Basant Kunj, Lucknow, previously served as a massive 30-acre garbage dump for decades. Over the last three years, the land was completely reclaimed and transformed into a 65-acre national memorial, costing approximately ₹230 crore.
PM Modi highlighted this transformation as a symbol of the “new India,” where collective effort (Sabka Prayas) turns neglect into national pride.
Key Architectural Features
* The Three Statues: The complex is dominated by three massive 65-foot-high bronze statues of iconic leaders:
* Atal Bihari Vajpayee
* Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee
* Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya
Each statue weighs roughly 42 tonnes and is surrounded by a scenic water body.
* The Lotus Museum: A state-of-the-art digital museum shaped like a lotus spans 98,000 square feet. It features five galleries and 12 interpretation walls that use immersive technology to showcase India’s political history and the lives of these three leaders.
* Public Amenities: The site includes a rally ground capable of holding 2 lakh people, an amphitheater, meditation centers, yoga spaces, and helipads.
A Vision of Good Governance
During his address, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Rashtra Prerna Sthal (National Inspiration Memorial) is not just a collection of statues but a “living inspiration” for nation-building.
> “This Sthal gives the message that every step and every effort of ours must be dedicated to the service of the nation. It reflects the vision of self-respect, unity, and service that guided our luminaries.” — PM Narendra Modi>
Significance of the Date
The inauguration held multi-layered significance as the PM also:
* Paid tribute to Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya on his birth anniversary.
* Extended Christmas greetings to the nation, noting the contributions of the Christian community to India’s development.
* Reiterated the goal of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, using the ideals of Vajpayee’s governance as a roadmap.
Public Impact
The memorial is expected to become a major cultural and educational hub in Uttar Pradesh. By integrating advanced technology with historical narratives, the government aims to inspire the youth with the values of “Antyodaya” (serving the last person in the queue) and selfless leadership.