New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu bestowed the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, upon veteran BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani during a formal ceremony held at his residence in Delhi on Sunday.
The event was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the esteemed family members of LK Advani.
An official post from Rashtrapati Bhavan on X lauded LK Advani as a stalwart of Indian politics, hailing his illustrious career spanning over seven decades. Born in Karachi in 1927, Advani migrated to India in 1947 during the partition, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the nation from a young age.
Throughout his distinguished career, Advani's advocacy for cultural nationalism resonated across the country, as he tirelessly traversed its length and breadth, effecting significant changes in the socio-political fabric. During the tumultuous period of the Emergency, his steadfast resolve safeguarded India's democratic values against encroaching authoritarianism.
Acknowledged for his parliamentary acumen, Advani's emphasis on dialogue enriched the nation's parliamentary traditions. Whether serving as Home Minister or Deputy Prime Minister, he consistently prioritized the national interest, earning widespread respect and admiration transcending party lines.
Notably, Advani's enduring efforts for India's cultural rejuvenation culminated in the historic reconstruction of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya in 2024, a testament to his longstanding commitment to the nation's heritage and values.
As one of the few post-Independence political figures who successfully reshaped the national agenda and propelled it towards development, Advani's legacy encapsulates the essence of India's genius and its inclusive ethos.
LK Advani, aged 96, held pivotal roles in Indian governance, serving as Deputy Prime Minister from June 2002 to May 2004 and as Union Home Minister from October 1999 to May 2004. He also held multiple tenures as the President of the BJP, from 1986 to 1990, 1993 to 1998, and 2004 to 2005.
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