Veteran Indian politician and former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani entered his 100th year of life on Sunday, November 8. Marking this milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi authored a special tribute article reflecting on his decades-long political journey and monumental contributions to the nation. The Prime Minister recalled the hardships faced during the partition of the country and the resilience with which Advani rebuilt his life from scratch.
Building the Party and Defending Democracy
The tribute elaborates on Advani's pivotal role in strengthening the Jan Sangh and laying the foundation of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The Prime Minister highlighted the intense struggles undertaken during the Emergency to protect democratic values in India. Advani's unwavering commitment to ideological clarity and his tireless efforts in grassroots organization were underscored as foundational pillars of contemporary Indian politics.
The Historic Ram Rath Yatra
Among the defining moments of Advani's political career, the historic Ram Rath Yatra stretching from Somnath to Ayodhya holds a prominent place. The Prime Minister recalled being closely associated with the conceptualization and preparations for this massive march. This journey became a monumental turning point in national politics, reshaping public discourse around cultural identity and heritage.
A Legendary Partnership With Atal Bihari Vajpayee
The article pays glowing tribute to the remarkable political partnership between Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani, describing it as a rare benchmark of mutual trust, respect, and shared vision in public life. Their decades-long collaboration defined an era of Indian governance defined by steadfast adherence to democratic principles and institutional integrity.
National Security and the Bharat Ratna
Advani's tenure as Union Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister was marked by decisive measures against terrorism and systemic improvements in national security architecture. In recognition of his lifelong dedication and monumental service to the country, he was conferred with the Bharat Ratna in 2024. The Prime Minister concluded by expressing deep personal gratitude for his guidance over the years and wishing him continued good health and a long life.
