Lal Krishna Advani, Celebration of Ram Temple Consecration
As the nation rejoices in the auspicious consecration of the Ram temple in India, the Government has made a historic proclamation. On Saturday, the prestigious Bharat Ratna was announced for Senior BJP Leader and the driving force behind the Ram Janambhoomi movement, Lal Krishna Advani. This momentous recognition not only highlights Advani’s outstanding contributions to the nation but also marks the 50th instance of the highest civilian award being conferred since its inception, with the seventh under the Modi Government regime.
Government’s Historic Announcement
In an official press communiqué from the President’s House, it was stated, “The President has been pleased to award Bharat Ratna to Shri Lal Krishna Advani.” This announcement follows last month’s decision to confer Bharat Ratna upon the late Karpoori Thakur, a socialist icon and former Chief Minister of Bihar.
Prime Minister Modi’s Delight
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his joy on social media, saying, “I am very happy to share that Shri LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental.” Modi highlighted Advani’s remarkable journey, commending his transition from grassroots work to serving as Deputy Prime Minister, Home Minister, and I&B Minister. The Prime Minister praised Advani’s exemplary parliamentary interventions, noting their richness in insights.
Recognition of Ideology and Party Efforts
Speaking in Odisha, Modi underscored that conferring Bharat Ratna upon Advani is not only an acknowledgment of the ‘nation first’ ideology but also recognition of the tireless efforts of BJP workers and leaders across the nation. He stated, “This is also an honour to the party and its workers, which has become the world’s largest party from a two-MP party.”
Advani’s Reflections on Bharat Ratna
In a poignant statement, the 96-year-old Advani expressed that Bharat Ratna is not just an honor for him but for the ideals and principles he devoted his life to. He shared, “Ever since I joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as its volunteer at the age of 14, I have sought reward in only one thing – in dedicated and selfless service to my beloved country in whatever task life assigned to me.”
Pivotal Role in BJP’s Rise
Advani played a pivotal role as BJP Chief, initiating the Mandir pledge in 1989 and leading the ‘Rath Yatra’ in 1990 to build the Ram temple. This moment significantly altered the trajectory of Indian politics. Under his leadership, the BJP’s seat tally surged from two to 86, marking a substantial shift in the political landscape.
Advani’s Political Career and Achievements
Born in Karachi, Pakistan, on November 8, 1927, Advani served as the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party for the longest period since its inception in 1980. His parliamentary career included prominent roles as the Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s cabinet (1999-2004). Despite the tragic events of India’s partition, Advani’s commitment to creating a more secular India remained steadfast, propelling him to continue his work as an RSS Pracharak in Rajasthan.
Legacy of the Ram Janambhoomi Movement
The Ram Janambhoomi movement, initiated by Advani during his tenure as the BJP Chief, played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of India. The Mandir pledge in 1989 and the subsequent ‘Rath Yatra’ in 1990 garnered immense support, galvanizing the masses and fostering a wave of enthusiasm among BJP supporters.
Electoral Impact and Political Landscape Transformation
The political impact of Advani’s leadership was evident in the rise of BJP’s seat tally from two to 86. This surge signaled a significant shift in the dynamics of Indian democracy. In 1989, Rajiv Gandhi lost power, and the National Front, with BJP’s support, formed the Government under Vishwanath Pratap Singh.
Significance of the 1996 Elections
Advani’s strategic leadership was evident in the 1996 elections when the BJP’s position surged to 121 seats, making it the single largest party in the Lok Sabha. This marked a watershed moment in Indian democracy as, for the first time since independence, the Congress was dethroned from its pre-eminent position.
Advani’s Early Years and Commitment to Service
Born in Karachi, Pakistan, on November 8, 1927, Advani’s celebration of India’s independence in 1947 was short-lived due to the tragedy of India’s partition. Despite the turmoil, Advani’s commitment to creating a more secular India remained unshaken. His journey from being uprooted during partition to becoming a prominent political figure is a testament to his resilience and dedication.
Long-Standing Party Leadership
Advani’s role as the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party for an extended period, from 1980 onwards, showcases his long-standing commitment to party leadership. His tenure witnessed the party’s growth and transformation into the world’s largest party from a two-MP entity.
Parliamentary Contributions and Ministerial Roles
In addition to his party leadership, Lal Krishna Advani made significant contributions in the Parliament, serving as the Home Minister and later as the Deputy Prime Minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s cabinet from 1999 to 2004. His parliamentary interventions were exemplary, characterized by depth and rich insights.
Partition’s Impact on Advani’s Life
Advani’s early years were marked by the tragedy of India’s partition, where he became one of the millions torn from his homeland amidst terror and bloodshed. Despite these challenges, Lal Krishna Advani did not succumb to bitterness. Instead, the events spurred his desire to contribute to building a more secular India.
Life Motto: ‘Idam-Na-Mama’
Throughout his life, Advani adhered to the motto ‘idam-na-mama,’ meaning ‘This life is not mine, my life is for my nation.’ This ethos guided his actions and decisions, emphasizing the selfless service to the nation as the ultimate reward.
Continued Dedication to Service
Advani’s statement upon receiving the Bharat Ratna reflects his unwavering dedication to service.Lal Krishna Advani He stated that the honor is not just for him but for the ideals and principles he upheld throughout his life. His early association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh at the age of 14 laid the foundation for a lifetime devoted to the betterment of his beloved country.
Conclusion: A Statesman’s Legacy
As the nation celebrates the consecration of the Ram temple, the conferral of the Bharat Ratna upon Lal Krishna Advani adds another chapter to the political and social history of India.Lal Krishna Advani His journey from the grassroots to the pinnacle of political leadership, his instrumental role in the Ram Janambhoomi movement, and his unwavering commitment to the nation exemplify the qualities of a statesman whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. The Bharat Ratna bestowed upon Advani is not just an individual honor but a recognition of the ideals he stood for and the transformative impact he had on the Indian political landscape.
