In a grand ceremony held in the heart of New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu bestowed upon the venerable Lal Krishna Advani, erstwhile Deputy Prime Minister, the prestigious Bharat Ratna award, marking a monumental moment in the nation’s history.

Surrounded by dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, the veteran leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was honored with the highest civilian accolade.

The announcement of Advani’s Bharat Ratna was preceded by a heartfelt declaration from Prime Minister Modi via social media in February. “I take immense pleasure in announcing the conferment of the Bharat Ratna upon Shri LK Advani Ji. In our conversations, I conveyed my heartfelt congratulations to him for this well-deserved honor. A towering figure in our political landscape, his contributions to India’s progress are monumental. His journey, from grassroots activism to deputy premiership, exemplifies dedication and service. Noteworthy are his tenures as Home Minister and I&B Minister, marked by insightful parliamentary engagements.”

Reflecting on Advani’s political odyssey unveils a narrative that defies convention and shapes modern Indian politics. A Sindhi by birth, hailing from a non-Hindi-speaking background, Advani’s schooling in Karachi’s St. Patrick’s School and subsequent alignment with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) present a narrative of diversity and conviction. His migration to India post-Partition, ascent within the political echelons, and the seminal Ram Rath Yatra of 1990, which redefined public discourse, underscore his indelible imprint on the nation’s fabric.

Advani’s parliamentary tenure spanning nearly three decades saw him hold pivotal positions, culminating in his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure (1999–2004).