New Delhi, Aug 16: At the demise of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the nation recalls some of his most memorable speeches, which captivate the listeners to this day. In the embedded link shared below, the video of Vajpayee's speech in Hindi at the United Nations General Assembly could be viewed.

In his 3-minute address, Vajpayee highlighted the achievements made by the Indian government in three decades of its existence post-independence. Vajpayee, who was the then foreign minister in the Morarji Desai-led Janata Party government, reiterated India's commitment in the fight against abolishing racism, slavery and human rights' violations.

Watch Video: Vajpayee's speech at UNGA in 1977

Vajpayee's speech at the UNGA's 32nd session was the first by an Indian representative in Hindi. The use of national language at the international stage, claimed experts, was a revolutionary step taken by him.

Vajpayee died today at AIIMS after reeling under prolonged illness. Although he was admitted to the AIIMS on June 11, after developing urinary tract infection, kidney infection and chest congestion, his health condition deteriorated in 2009 when he suffered a stroke and developed dementia.

Over the past decade, Vajpayee was left speech-impaired due to his illness. According to former Maharashtra CM and Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi, Vajpayee "was the best orator in independent India". His words, Joshi said, were not only well articulated, but well contemplated.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2018 05:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).