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PPSD 1706990651
PPSD 1706990651
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On January 26, 2024, the nation of India bestowed its highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, upon Lal Krishna
Advani, an iconic figure in Indian politics. This honorable award recognizes Advani's enduring contributions to
Indian society, his dedication to public service, and his pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of modern
India.
Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi (Pakistan), Lal Krishna Advani's journey traverses the annals of post-
independence India. A lawyer by training, Advani's entry into politics in the 1950s marked the beginning of a
remarkable career that spanned over six decades. His early political years were marked by his association with
the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization, where he imbibed the
Advani's political ascent gained momentum under the guidance of stalwarts like Atal Bihari Vajpayee ( Ex Former
President of India) , with whom he shared a deep and enduring friendship. Together, they became the
torchbearers of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the precursor to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Advani's tenacious
commitment to the party's ideology, coupled with his oratory skills and organizational acumen, propelled him to
One of Advani's defining moments came in the 1990s when he spearheaded the Ram Rath Yatra, a mass
mobilization campaign aimed at induce support for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in
Ayodhya. This movement not only brought the issue of Hindutva to the forefront of Indian politics but also laid the
Advani's incumbency as the Home Minister of India from 1998 to 2004 was marked by his efforts to strengthen
national security, combat terrorism, and streamline the country's law enforcement apparatus. His unwavering
resolve during the Kargil War and his role in formulating tough anti-terrorism laws earned him widespread
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In 2002, Advani faced perhaps the biggest challenge of his political career during the Gujarat frays, which led to
widespread criticism of his handling of the situation. Despite the controversy, he remained a formidable force
within the BJP and continued to wield influence as one of the party's senior leaders.
Throughout his career, Advani's commitment to democratic principles, secularism, and inclusive governance
remained unwavering. His statesmanship and ability to build consensus across the political spectrum earned him
Advani's contributions extend beyond the zone of politics. He has been a genial writer and thinker, articulating his
vision for a resurgent India through his books, articles, and speeches. His insights on nationalism, governance,
and socio-political issues continue to resonate with millions of Indians across the country.
As Lal Krishna Advani receives the Bharat Ratna, it is not just a recognition of his individual achievements but
also a tribute to the rebound and dynamism of Indian democracy. His life journey mirrors the evolution of modern
India, navigating through the complexities of nation-building, socio-cultural transformation, and political
upheavals.
In honoring Advani with its highest civilian honor, India pays homage to a statesman whose indelible imprint on
the nation's history will endure for generations to come. As the nation celebrates his legacy, it also reaffirms its
commitment to the values of pluralism, democracy, and inclusivity that Advani championed throughout his
illustrious career
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