Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Lal Krishna Advani, expressed his gratitude and humility upon being conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. In an official statement, Advani acknowledged the honor not just as a personal accolade but also as a recognition of the ideals and principles he has dedicated his life to.
“With utmost humility and gratitude, I accept the ‘Bharat Ratna’ that has been conferred on me today. It is not only an honour for me as a person, but also for the ideals and principles that I have strived to serve throughout my life to the best of my ability,” wrote Advani.
Advani reflected on his journey, starting from joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a volunteer, emphasizing that his reward has always been in the dedicated and selfless service of his beloved country. He expressed that since joining the RSS, he sought reward solely in the service of the nation in various capacities.
The veteran leader’s statement underlines his commitment to transparency, integrity, and political ethics throughout his decades-long service in public life. Advani’s contributions to national unity and cultural resurgence were highlighted, portraying him as a distinguished statesman and a leader with rich insights in parliamentary interventions.
The Bharat Ratna award, presented to Advani by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a significant recognition of his role in the BJP’s rise to national prominence. Modi praised Advani as one of the most respected statesmen of their times, acknowledging his monumental contribution to India’s development. Advani’s journey from grassroots work to serving as Deputy Prime Minister and holding key ministerial positions, such as Home Minister and I&B Minister, was lauded by Modi.
Born in Karachi and joining the RSS at the age of fourteen in 1941, Advani played a pivotal role in the formation and growth of the BJP. His Rath Yatra in 1990, advocating for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, marked a turning point in the BJP’s trajectory, propelling it to become the second-largest party in the parliament after the Congress in the 1991 general elections.
The Bharat Ratna for Advani has received reactions from various political leaders, with BJP members expressing congratulations and the opposition acknowledging his contributions. Advani’s son, Jayant Advani, and daughter, Pratibha Advani, expressed their father’s overwhelming happiness and noted his immense contribution to public life.
The recognition of Advani’s efforts in the form of the Bharat Ratna serves as a symbol of acknowledgment for a lifetime dedicated to the service of the nation and the embodiment of principles and ideals that have shaped his journey in public service.
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