#PresidentKovind speaks to @DDNewsLive about his memories with former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee https://t.co/nF9FozQFXm — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) 1534508228000

NEW DELHI: On the passing away of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee , President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said, "Atalji was a great son of the soil. He dedicated his entire life to the country."Vajpayee, 93, died on Thursday at AIIMS following prolonged illness.In an interview to Doordarshan, Kovind said that Vajpayee always worked for the unity and integrity of the country. "In his public life, the standards of decorum, inclusive culture and brotherhood that Atalji set are applicable in every walk of life for everybody. He worked for the unity and integrity of the nation."Recalling his time as a Rajya Sabha member, Kovind said, "When he was the Prime Minister, I was a Rajya Sabha member and we would often get to see each other in Parliament . Atalji would always say 'Namaste' which would proved that he was devoid of any ego even being a Prime Minister."Calling Vajpayee a "great personality", the President said that he took guidance from the former PM for years.