Lucknow: Spread over 65 acres along the embankment of the River Gomti on Hardoi Road, the Rashtra Prerna Sthal, a grand memorial dedicated to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) icons Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Shyama Prasad Mookerjee and Deen Dayal Upadhyay, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, marking a major addition to the cultural and political landmarks of the state capital.

A memorial shaped by symbolism and ideology

The Rashtra Prerna Sthal has been designed in the shape of a lotus, reflecting the BJP’s election symbol, and stands as a tribute to three leaders who played a defining role in shaping nationalist politics in independent India. At the heart of the memorial are three towering bronze statues of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Shyama Prasad Mookerjee and Deen Dayal Upadhyay. Each statue measures 65 feet in height and weighs about 42 tonnes, making them the tallest statues of political personalities installed in the state capital so far.

The statues are mounted on a massive platform encircled by a water body, lending the complex a serene and imposing visual appeal. Officials associated with the project said the design aims to blend symbolism, aesthetics and ideology, creating a space that inspires reflection on nation-building and public service.

Cost and development details

According to officials of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), the memorial has been developed at a cost of Rs 230 crore. The project forms part of a broader effort to create monumental public spaces that highlight key figures and ideas in India’s political and cultural history.

The complex will be opened to the public after its formal inauguration by the Prime Minister on December 25, which coincides with the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The date has been chosen to underline Vajpayee’s lasting influence on Indian politics and governance.

Museum and galleries highlight legacy

One of the major attractions of the Rashtra Prerna Sthal is a two-storey museum built over an area of around 6,300 square metres. The museum houses five galleries and 12 interpretation walls, all dedicated to the lives, thoughts and contributions of the three leaders.

The galleries feature poems and speeches of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, nationalist quotes by Shyama Prasad Mookerjee and Deen Dayal Upadhyay, and detailed audio-visual presentations that trace their role in shaping ideological and organisational foundations of the BJP and its predecessor, the Jana Sangh.

Displayed texts in the museum recall how the Jana Sangh achieved notable success in the 1952 elections, with its election symbol, the ‘deepak’ or lamp, emerging as a symbol of nationalist politics in post-Independence India. Officials said the museum has been designed to serve both as an educational space and as a centre for ideological reflection.

Theatres, installations and public spaces

The memorial complex includes two separate theatres where orientation films on the lives and contributions of the three leaders will be screened regularly. These films aim to familiarise visitors, especially the younger generation, with the ideological roots and historical journey of the party and its leaders.

A gallery within the museum features installations such as a lamp, the Sudarshan Chakra and a statue of Bharat Mata, reinforcing themes of nationalism and cultural identity. In addition, the complex houses an amphitheatre with a seating capacity of about 3,000 people, intended for cultural programmes, lectures and public events.

Other facilities include a meditation hall, a yoga centre, a musical block, helipads and a large rally ground capable of accommodating more than 2 lakh people. Party sources said these features make the Rashtra Prerna Sthal a multi-purpose complex rather than just a memorial.

Unique project honouring three leaders together

According to BJP sources, the Rashtra Prerna Sthal is unique as it is the first project of its kind where statues of three major party stalwarts have been installed at a single location. The idea, they said, is to present a collective narrative of ideological evolution and leadership rather than focusing on individual legacies in isolation.

The memorial is expected to become an important destination for party workers, scholars, tourists and the general public interested in modern political history.

Preparations for a massive inauguration event

Ahead of the inauguration, the BJP’s Uttar Pradesh unit has been making extensive preparations to ensure a large turnout. Party leaders are aiming to gather nearly 2 lakh people at the rally ground during Prime Minister Modi’s address.

On Tuesday, BJP state president Pankaj Chaudhary inspected the preparations and reviewed arrangements related to crowd management, security and logistics. The party is also holding organisational meetings across Lucknow and adjoining districts to mobilise supporters and ensure the venue remains fully occupied during the Prime Minister’s speech.

Conclusion

With its vast scale, symbolic design and focus on ideology and history, the Rashtra Prerna Sthal is set to emerge as a significant landmark in Lucknow. The inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25 is expected to draw national attention, underlining the memorial’s role as a centre for reflection on leadership, nationalism and public life in contemporary India.