Manoj Kumar Pathak
New Delhi, Veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani was conferred with the prestigious Bharat Ratna on Saturday. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant recognition of Advani’s lifelong dedication to serving the nation and upholding his ideals and principles.
Acknowledging the Honor:
Expressing gratitude for the esteemed award, Advani humbly accepted the Bharat Ratna and described it not only as a personal honor but also as a tribute to the ideals and principles he has ardently championed throughout his life. He conveyed his appreciation to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bestowing upon him this distinguished recognition.
A Lifetime of Service:
From his early days as a volunteer in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of 14, Advani has been steadfast in his commitment to the dedicated and selfless service of the country. His journey in public service has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and an unwavering dedication to the values he holds dear.
Acknowledging Influential Figures:
In his acceptance statement, Advani paid homage to two influential figures who played pivotal roles in shaping his political career – Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Both leaders, he noted, had a profound impact on his ideology and approach to public service.
Family Support and Remembrance:
Advani extended his gratitude to his family, particularly remembering his late wife Kamla, and acknowledged their role as the pillars of strength throughout his life. This recognition highlighted the integral support system that played a crucial role in shaping his political journey.
Appreciation for Party Workers and Swayamsevaks:
The veteran leader also expressed his appreciation for the party workers and the swayamsevaks who have been an essential part of his political journey. Their dedication and hard work were instrumental in advancing the goals and principles that Advani held dear.
A Storied Political Career:
Lal Krishna Advani has left an indelible mark on Indian politics. Serving as the 7th Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004, he co-founded the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and played a crucial role in shaping its ideology. His tenure as the longest-serving Minister of Home Affairs and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha further solidified his position as a seasoned statesman.
The 2009 general election saw Advani as the prime ministerial candidate of the BJP, reflecting the trust and confidence his party placed in his leadership.
The conferment of the Bharat Ratna upon Lal Krishna Advani is not merely a recognition of his individual achievements but a celebration of a lifetime devoted to the service of the nation. As he graciously accepts this honor, the veteran leader’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders and a testament to the enduring impact of steadfast dedication to principles and ideals.
