Bharat Ratna Conferred on LK Advani: A Lifetime of Dedicated Service Recognized and Celebrated

BJP stalwart LK Advani expressed his deep appreciation on Saturday, noting that being awarded the Bharat Ratna is not just a personal honor but a recognition of the ideals and principles he dedicated himself to. He thanked President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conferring him with this prestigious award. Advani, who has been part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) since the beginning, emphasized that he sought fulfillment through dedicated and selfless service to his beloved country.

This announcement followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's declaration that LK Advani would receive the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honor in the country. Modi conveyed his happiness and personally congratulated Advani, highlighting his immense contributions to India's development. Describing Advani as one of the most respected statesmen, the Prime Minister praised his monumental role as Deputy Prime Minister, Home Minister, and I&B Minister. Modi commended Advani's exemplary parliamentary interventions filled with rich insights.

During an address in Odisha, PM Modi hailed Advani as a symbol of the nation's enduring gratitude to those who dedicate their lives in service to the country. He emphasized that conferring the Bharat Ratna upon Advani is a recognition of the ideology of placing the nation first.

Reactions from top BJP leaders and allies poured in, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressing great joy over Advani's well-deserved honor. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur conveyed his sincerest wishes, characterizing the award as a poignant acknowledgment of a national hero's life devoted to serving the nation. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who worked alongside Advani in the Union cabinet during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure, congratulated him and acknowledged learning a great deal from the veteran leader.

Chirag Paswan, chief of the Lok Janshakti Party, a BJP ally in Bihar, extended heartfelt congratulations to Advani, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed great happiness over Advani's recognition, considering him an inspiration for all. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav welcomed the news, recalling Advani's role as a democracy advocate during the Emergency and thanking Modi for the honor.

LK Advani's reflections on receiving the Bharat Ratna were rooted in a lifelong commitment to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), where he found purpose in selfless service to the nation. This ethos resonated in his statement, emphasizing a journey that started at the grassroots level and led to significant roles as Deputy Prime Minister, Home Minister, and I&B Minister. His parliamentary interventions were lauded for their exemplary nature and rich insights, marking a trajectory of dedicated public service.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement added another layer to Advani's legacy, with Modi describing him as a symbol of enduring national gratitude. The Prime Minister's recognition of Advani's contributions to India's development underscored the profound impact of his political career, culminating in the esteemed Bharat Ratna.

The responses from prominent BJP leaders and allies further illuminated the significance of Advani's recognition. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's joy echoed the sentiments of many, highlighting Advani's inspiration and leadership. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur's wishes underscored the symbolic acknowledgment of a life devoted to national service.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's personal connection with Advani, having worked together during the Vajpayee era, added a touch of camaraderie to the congratulations. Chirag Paswan's gratitude and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's recognition of Advani as a guiding force reflected the widespread admiration for the veteran leader.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's acknowledgment of Advani's role during the Emergency showcased the historical context in which his contributions were particularly significant. The overall sentiment from leaders across different regions and political backgrounds conveyed a unanimous appreciation for Advani's impactful journey and the symbolism inherent in receiving the Bharat Ratna.

In conclusion, LK Advani's recognition with the Bharat Ratna stands as a testament to a lifetime dedicated to the service of the nation, garnering praise from leaders across the political spectrum and affirming his enduring impact on India's political landscape.