New Delhi, Oct 6 (NationPress) - On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Vijay Kumar Malhotra, the first Chief Executive Councillor of Delhi and a venerable leader of the BJP. Modi described Malhotra as a figure whose influence extended beyond the roles he occupied, embodying a life of commitment, principles, and bravery.

V.K. Malhotra, who passed away on September 30 at the age of 93 after battling age-related health issues at AIIMS, was honored by PM Modi, who visited his home to convey his condolences to the grieving family.

In a poignant blog post, the Prime Minister reflected on Malhotra's unwavering spirit and dedication to selfless service, stating that his life was a true representation of the values propagated by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

"Recently, we bid farewell to one of our most esteemed leaders, Shri Vijay Kumar Malhotra Ji. His extensive and fruitful life was defined by relentless dedication, persistence, and altruism. A closer look at his journey reveals the fundamental tenets of the RSS, the Jana Sangh, and the BJP — bravery in adversity, prioritizing service over self, and a profound commitment to our cultural and national values," wrote PM Modi.

Reflecting on Malhotra's formative years, the Prime Minister noted, "The family of V.K. Malhotra Ji endured the traumas of partition. Instead of becoming bitter or withdrawn, he dedicated himself to aiding others. He found purpose in the beliefs of the RSS and the Jana Sangh during those challenging times."

He emphasized that Malhotra devoted his efforts to assisting thousands of displaced families in reconstructing their lives.

"His contemporaries included Madanlal Khurana Ji and Kidar Nath Sahni Ji, who were at the forefront of selfless service, earning the respect of the people in Delhi," PM Modi remarked.

Recalling Malhotra's notable victory in the 1999 Lok Sabha elections against former PM Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister stated, "This was a significant election where he faced a prominent Congress leader. Despite the full force of the Congress apparatus targeting his South Delhi constituency, Malhotra Ji maintained the integrity of his campaign."

"He conducted a positive campaign, rising above slanderous attacks and secured over 50% of the votes! His triumph stemmed from his strong connection with the grassroots and his ability to grasp the aspirations of the electorate," he added.

Highlighting Malhotra's contributions in Parliament, PM Modi noted that his speeches were consistently well-researched and eloquently delivered.

He mentioned that during Malhotra's tenure as Deputy Leader of the Opposition in UPA-1, "his experience offers invaluable insights to students of politics and parliamentary democracy."

"He effectively challenged the ineffective UPA administration, particularly its dismal corruption and terrorism record. During that time, I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and frequently interacted with Malhotra Ji, who was genuinely interested in Gujarat's developmental journey," he remarked.

Describing Malhotra as a scholar and institution builder, PM Modi acknowledged his academic prowess.

"I learned from his family how he achieved double promotions in school. He completed his matriculation and graduation ahead of schedule, and his fluency in Hindi made him the go-to person for translating Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee's speeches into Hindi," he added.

In closing, PM Modi stated that one of Malhotra's most commendable qualities was his role as an institution builder, positioning him among the foremost leaders who established and nurtured numerous institutions associated with the RSS.

"Through his initiatives, various cultural, educational, and social organizations flourished, becoming breeding grounds for talent and service, furthering the vision of a self-reliant, value-driven society," he noted.

Regarding Malhotra's contributions to sports, PM Modi said, "Archery was his passion, and he held the presidency of the Archery Association of India for many decades. Under his leadership, Indian archery gained international acclaim, as he tirelessly worked to provide athletes with opportunities and platforms. His dedication to sports administration mirrored the same qualities he exhibited in public service: commitment, organizational skill, and the pursuit of excellence."

"Shri VK Malhotra Ji's influence extends beyond his titles, embodying the ethos of prioritizing service over self, adhering to values, and meeting challenges with bravery and perseverance. He epitomized the ideal Party member, never saying anything that could bring disrepute to our Karyakartas or our ideology," PM Modi concluded.

Wrapping up his tribute, the Prime Minister remarked, "Recently, I attended the inauguration of the new Headquarters of the Delhi BJP, where I fondly remembered Shri VK Malhotra Ji. He was elated when the BJP formed the Government in Delhi earlier this year after more than three decades and held high hopes, which we are dedicated to realizing for our cherished national capital."

"May his life and achievements continue to inspire future generations of public servants," PM Modi expressed.