Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, declared that veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred the highest civilian award in India, Bharat Ratna. The decision comes in recognition of Advanis decades-long contribution to Indian politics and his instrumental role within the BJP. Lal Krishna Advani, a key figure in the BJP, has been an eminent figure in shaping the partys trajectory over the years. The stalwart leader served as the home minister of India and held leadership positions in various ministries, particularly during his tenure as the deputy prime minister under then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the 2000s.Lal Krishna Advani expresses gratitudeFollowing Prime Minister Modis announcement, the 96-year-old veteran expressed his gratitude, With utmost humility and gratitude, I accept the Bharat Ratna that has been conferred on me today. It is not only an honor for me as a person, but also for the ideals and principles that I have strove to serve throughout my life to the best of my ability.#WATCH | Delhi | Government of India announces Bharat Ratna for veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani.Visuals from his residence as he greets the people and media here. pic.twitter.com/C0NLemHsZ2— ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2024PM Modi commends Advanis contributionsPM Modi, once a disciple of Advani, praised the veteran leaders commitment to transparency, integrity, and political ethics. He said, Advani Jis decades-long service in public life has been marked by an unwavering commitment to transparency and integrity, setting an exemplary standard in political ethics. He has made unparalleled efforts towards furthering national unity and cultural resurgence. The conferring of the Bharat Ratna on him is a very emotional moment for me.Advani Jis decades-long service in public life has been marked by an unwavering commitment to transparency and integrity, setting an exemplary standard in political ethics. He has made unparalleled efforts towards furthering national unity and cultural resurgence. The conferring…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2024A glimpse into Lal Krishna Advanis journeyBorn on November 8, 1927, in Karachi (now in present-day Pakistan), Lal Krishna Advani migrated to India after the partition. He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of 14 in 1941. He embarked on a political journey soon after joining the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, a precursor to the BJP.Advanis political dominance gained momentum in 1970 when he became a member of the upper house of the Parliament. His leadership role in the house followed in 1977, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in national-level politics.#WATCH | Pratibha Advani says, He is very overwhelmed. He is a man of few words. But he had tears in his eyes. He has this joy and satisfaction that he dedicated his entire life in service of the nation. So, we are very happy... https://t.co/xj8Ag5Qnfk pic.twitter.com/fdOwvrEjTJ— ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2024Advani was the flag bearer for the demand for construction of the Ram Mandir. In 1990, Advani launched a rath yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya, which changed the Indian political scenario. The purpose of the reth yatra was to stir up support for the demand for the construction of the Ram temple at the spot where the Babri mosque stood.The conferment of the Bharat Ratna on Lal Krishna Advani is seen as a recognition of his enduring service to the nation and his pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of India.
