'My Life Is For My Nation': LK Advani On Bharat Ratna Honour, Remembers These 2 Stalwarts

Veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani expressed gratitude as he accepted the prestigious Bharat Ratna award after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement.

BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani greets the people and media at his residence in Delhi. ( Image Source :ANI )

Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani expressed his deep humility and gratitude on Saturday as he accepted the prestigious Bharat Ratna award. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Advani's name for the nation's highest civilian honour, acknowledging not just the individual but the ideals and principles that have defined Advani's lifelong commitment to public service.

In a statement, the 96-year-old leader, who holds the record as the longest-serving president of the BJP, remarked, "With utmost humility and gratitude, I accept the Bharat Ratna that has been conferred on me today", as quoted by news agency PTI.

Reflecting on a lifetime devoted to the service of the nation, Advani recalled his initiation into the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of 14. He asserted, "I have sought reward in only one thing – in dedicated and selfless service of my beloved country in whatever task life assigned to me."

"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 strobe to serve throughout my life to the best of my ability...," Veteran BJP… pic.twitter.com/wTFCvQ6gsd

— ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2024

Advani drew inspiration from the motto, "This life is not mine. My life is for my nation." He expressed gratitude towards two stalwarts with whom he closely collaborated - Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, both recipients of the Bharat Ratna in the past. Remembering his late wife Kamla, Advani credited his family as the "greatest source of strength and sustenance" in his life.

Acknowledging the collective effort in his political journey, Advani thanked millions of BJP workers, RSS volunteers, and others who contributed to his public life. He specifically thanked President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi for the honour. In a concluding remark, Advani wished for the continued progress and glory of the nation, saying, "May our great country progress to the pinnacle of greatness and glory."

Following the announcement, the BJP veteran greeted supporters at his residence.

#WATCH | Delhi | Government of India announces Bharat Ratna for veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani.

Visuals from his residence as he greets the people and media here. pic.twitter.com/C0NLemHsZ2

— ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2024

Earlier in the day, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed the announcement. Samajwadi Chief Akhilesh Yadav praised Advani for making a mark in politics, emphasising the party's enduring respect for him.

In Karnataka, political leaders across party lines hailed the decision to confer Bharat Ratna on Advani. Former CM and BJP stalwart B.S. Yediyurappa attributed the existence of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to Advani's efforts. JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy extended his congratulations, describing Advani as an inspiration in Indian politics.

According to PTI, Pejavar Math seer Vishwa Prasanna Teertha in Udupi praised Advani as a representative of value-based politics, highlighting his role in the Ayodhya Ram temple movement. 

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