NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan today lauded the conferment of Bharat Ratna on Madan Mohan Malaviya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying it is a "matter of pride" as both the stalwarts dedicated their lives to nation-building. "The heartfelt wishes of the people have been realized today," she said in a statement.
"The government's decision to award the two towering personalities of our national life, besides being welcome, is also significant as it awards those who attach immense significance to human values and also lead their lives by those values," she said.
Mahajan said both Malaviya and Vajpayee harmonized their political and social lives and bound the people with the common thread.
"Their lives have been dedicated to nation-building. It is matter of pride that they have been conferred the Bharat Ratna," the Speaker added.
She said Vajpayee is that stalwart of Indian politics who worked for the welfare of the people leaving aside personal aspirations.
"He is synonymous with development and nationalism. During his prime ministership, he worked for linking villages and cities with national highways which paved the way for nation's development.
"He travelled throughout the country and suffered hardships to carry forward his ideas to the common masses," Mahajan said.
About Malaviya, she said he was an ideal educationist, besides being a promoter of cultural, social and nationalist values.
"He was steadfast in not just social life but he contributed in all walks of life. Bharat Ratna is an ideal tribute to his multi-faceted persona," Mahajan said.