Lal Krishna Advani Biography, Career, Awards, Books, etc.

Lal Krishna Advani, often known as L.K. Advani, is one of the most prominent and respected political figures in India. For over seven decades, he play

Lal Krishna Advani

Lal Krishna Advani, often known as L.K. Advani, is one of the most prominent and respected political figures in India. For over seven decades, he played a key role in shaping Indian politics — especially in building the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) into the powerful force it is today.
He is known for his strong principles, deep patriotism, and the unique way he combined ideology with modern politics.

From his early years in Sindh (now in Pakistan) to his rise as India’s Deputy Prime Minister, Advani’s journey is filled with struggle, determination, and vision. He was not just a politician — he was a thinker, organizer, and leader who inspired millions.

In this detailed biography, we’ll explore his entire life story — from childhood to political achievements, major controversies, and his lasting impact on Indian democracy.

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Early Life and Background

Lal Krishna Advani was born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, which was then part of undivided India and now lies in Pakistan.
His family belonged to the Sindhi Hindu community, and his father, Kishanchand Advani, was a businessman, while his mother, Gyani Devi, was a homemaker.

Advani grew up in a modest but culturally rich environment. His family valued education, tradition, and community service. He studied at St. Patrick’s High School, Karachi, where he was a bright and disciplined student. From an early age, he showed leadership qualities — organizing school events, debates, and social activities.

As a young boy, Advani was influenced by the growing wave of nationalism and freedom struggle against British rule. The atmosphere of pre-independence India had a deep impact on him. He admired leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, and Subhas Chandra Bose, but he was also drawn to nationalist organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Category	Important Details
Full Name	Lal Krishna Advani
Date of Birth	8 November 1927
Birth Place	Karachi, Sindh (Undivided India, now in Pakistan)
Parents	Father – Kishanchand Advani, Mother – Gyani Devi
Education	St. Patrick’s High School, Karachi
Political Party	Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Joined RSS	1942 (as a volunteer at the age of 15)
Major Role	Key architect in building BJP and leading the Ram Janmabhoomi movement
Important Positions Held	• President of BJP (1986–1990, 1993–1998) • Home Minister of India (1998–2004) • Deputy Prime Minister of India (2002–2004)
Key Movement	Ram Rath Yatra (1990) for the Ram Janmabhoomi cause
Famous For	Organizational strength, discipline, and contribution to Hindutva politics
Books Written	• My Country, My Life • A Prisoner’s Scrap-Book • Advani @ 75: A Personal Journey
Family	Wife – Kamla Advani (passed away 2016), Children – Jayant & Pratibha Advani
Awards	• Padma Vibhushan (2015) • Bharat Ratna (2024)
Ideology	Cultural Nationalism, Integrity, and Strong Democratic Values
Legacy	Helped transform BJP into India’s largest political party and mentored many leaders including Narendra Modi
Personality Traits	Disciplined, Honest, Visionary, and Patriotic

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Joining the RSS and Early Influence

Advani joined the RSS in 1942, when he was just 15 years old. This decision changed the entire course of his life.
The RSS was (and still is) a cultural organization that believed in building a strong, united, and self-reliant India based on Indian traditions and values.

As a young RSS pracharak (volunteer), Advani traveled to villages, conducted shakhas (meetings), and spread awareness about nationalism, discipline, and community service. The experience shaped his thinking and leadership style. He learned the importance of teamwork, discipline, and dedication to a cause larger than oneself.

The Partition of India in 1947 was a turning point in Advani’s life. His family, like millions of others, had to migrate from Karachi to India after Sindh went to Pakistan. The traumatic experience of losing his homeland left a lasting mark on him. It strengthened his belief in the need for a strong and united India.

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Starting Political Journey: From RSS to Jana Sangh

After moving to India, Advani continued working for the RSS. He was soon recognized for his intelligence, organizing skills, and clarity of thought.
In 1951, when Shyama Prasad Mukherjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) as a political wing of the RSS, Advani joined the party enthusiastically. This marked the beginning of his political journey.

In the early years, the Jana Sangh was a small party, often overshadowed by the mighty Congress. But people like Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee worked tirelessly to spread its message across the country.

Advani’s talent for organization helped the party grow. He worked at the grassroots level, built party units, trained young workers, and connected with ordinary citizens. His style was simple but effective — focused on ideas and actions rather than slogans.

By the late 1950s, he had become an important figure in the Delhi unit of the Jana Sangh. He also worked closely with Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who later became his lifelong friend and political partner.

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Rise Through the Ranks

Advani’s rise in the party was steady and disciplined. He served as an RSS pracharak, party organizer, and later as a political strategist. He gained a reputation as a man of integrity and commitment.

In 1957, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was elected to Parliament, Advani stayed behind to manage organizational work. The two complemented each other — Vajpayee was known for his oratory and mass appeal, while Advani was the thinker, planner, and strategist who built the foundation of the movement.

In the 1960s, Advani became the Secretary and later the General Secretary of the Jana Sangh. His ability to build networks and his disciplined approach helped the party grow beyond its early base in North India.

He entered the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) for the first time in 1970. This marked his formal entry into national politics.

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The Emergency and Resistance

One of the most defining moments in Advani’s career came during the Emergency period (1975–1977).
When then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency, curbing civil liberties and arresting opposition leaders, Advani was among those who were jailed.

He spent 19 months in prison, where he strengthened his resolve to fight for democracy and freedom. The Emergency period was a tough test for India’s opposition, but it also united them against authoritarianism.

After the Emergency was lifted in 1977, several opposition parties, including Jana Sangh, came together to form the Janata Party. The alliance won the general elections, and for the first time, the Congress was defeated at the national level. It was a historic victory for Indian democracy — and a moment of pride for Advani and Vajpayee.

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Formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

The Janata Party experiment didn’t last long. Internal differences soon led to its collapse.
In 1980, the former members of the Jana Sangh, led by Advani and Vajpayee, founded a new political party — the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

At that time, BJP was seen as a small party with limited influence. Its ideology was based on “Gandhian socialism and positive secularism.” But it struggled to make an impact in the early 1980s.

However, Advani remained patient. He believed in building the organization step by step. His focus was on discipline, ideology, and connecting with the masses.

In 1986, Advani became the President of the BJP, and under his leadership, the party started to change its strategy and image.

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The Ram Janmabhoomi Movement

Advani’s most significant and controversial political role came during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
The BJP began supporting the demand to build a Ram temple at Ayodhya, where the Babri Masjid stood. The movement aimed to reclaim the birthplace of Lord Rama and became a rallying point for Hindu identity politics.

In 1990, Advani launched the famous Rath Yatra, a nationwide chariot journey from Somnath (Gujarat) to Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh). The journey electrified Indian politics — it mobilized millions, gave a new direction to the BJP, and brought Hindutva into mainstream discourse.

Advani’s speeches during the yatra inspired huge crowds. He spoke about cultural pride, national unity, and justice for the majority community. However, the movement also attracted criticism for fueling communal tensions.

The Rath Yatra was stopped in Bihar when Lalu Prasad Yadav arrested Advani. But by then, the BJP had already become a major political force. The movement transformed Indian politics forever.

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BJP’s Rise to Power

After the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, BJP rapidly grew in popularity. In the 1991 general elections, it emerged as the main opposition party.
Advani’s leadership and organizational strength were key factors in this rise.

In 1996, the BJP became the single largest party in Parliament. Atal Bihari Vajpayee briefly became Prime Minister, though his government lasted only 13 days.

Advani, however, continued to strengthen the party at every level. He played a major role in forming alliances with regional parties under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

In 1998, the NDA came to power, and Vajpayee became the Prime Minister once again — this time with Advani as his Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
Together, they led India through some of its most critical years — including nuclear tests, economic reforms, and major foreign policy shifts.

Advani was known for his tough stance on national security and his focus on combating terrorism. His famous slogan, “A strong nation needs a strong leader,” became symbolic of his political philosophy.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Key Achievements

As Home Minister, Advani played a key role in modernizing India’s internal security system. He pushed for reforms in intelligence agencies, border management, and anti-terror operations.

He was deeply involved in the government’s response to the Kargil War (1999) and later the 2001 Parliament attack. His leadership during these challenging times earned him respect across party lines.

In 2002, he became the Deputy Prime Minister of India. Though Vajpayee remained the public face of the government, Advani was the man who ensured the machinery ran smoothly behind the scenes.
He was known for his administrative discipline, punctuality, and professionalism.

Advani also played an important role in improving India’s relations with other countries. His visit to Pakistan in 2005, where he called Muhammad Ali Jinnah a “secular leader,” stirred some controversy but also reflected his belief in peace and dialogue.

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The 2004 and 2009 Elections

In 2004, the BJP-led NDA lost the general elections unexpectedly. Many believed that the “India Shining” campaign failed to connect with rural voters.
After the loss, Vajpayee slowly retired from active politics, and Advani became the face of the BJP.

He led the party in the 2009 elections as the prime ministerial candidate, but the party again lost to the Congress-led UPA under Manmohan Singh.

Though these defeats were disappointing, Advani continued to remain a respected elder statesman within the party.

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Shift in BJP Leadership and the Modi Era

By the early 2010s, a new generation of leaders began to emerge within the BJP.
When Narendra Modi rose as the party’s prime ministerial face in 2013–2014, it marked a major shift. Advani initially had reservations but later supported Modi’s leadership.

In 2014, BJP won a historic majority under Modi. Advani, by then in his late 80s, stepped back from active politics but remained part of the Margdarshak Mandal (Advisory Council), guiding younger leaders.

His political journey — from being a young RSS pracharak to a senior statesman — had come full circle.

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Awards, Honors, and Recognition

Over the years, Advani received several honors for his service to the nation and contributions to public life.
In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.

In 2023, the Government of India announced that he would receive the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award — a recognition of his decades of service, leadership, and dedication to Indian democracy.

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Books and Writings

Advani is also an author and thinker. He wrote several books that give insights into his political journey and philosophy, including:

• “My Country, My Life” (2008) – an autobiographical account of his political life.

• “Advani @ 75: A Personal Journey” – reflections on his life and experiences.

• “A Prisoner’s Scrap-Book” – based on his time in jail during the Emergency.

His writings show his love for the nation, deep understanding of politics, and commitment to democratic values.

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Personal Life

Lal Krishna Advani married Kamla Advani in 1965. They had two children — a son Jayant Advani and a daughter Pratibha Advani.
Kamla Advani passed away in 2016, which was a deeply emotional moment for him.

Advani is known to live a disciplined and simple life. He practices yoga, reads regularly, and has always been fond of classical music and cinema. Despite his powerful political image, those who know him personally describe him as humble, polite, and deeply spiritual.

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Ideology and Beliefs

Advani’s ideology has always been centered on nationalism, democracy, and integrity. He believes in the concept of “Cultural Nationalism” — the idea that India’s identity is deeply rooted in its ancient culture, traditions, and values.

He has always spoken about balancing modern progress with traditional roots. Unlike many politicians, he avoided populism. Instead, he focused on institution-building, discipline, and long-term vision.

Advani also firmly believed in democratic processes. Even during ideological clashes or controversies, he maintained respect for opposing views — something that made him stand out in Indian politics.

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Controversies

No political career is without controversy, and Advani’s was no exception.
The biggest one was the Babri Masjid demolition (1992). As one of the leaders associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, he was accused of inciting communal violence.
Advani always denied the allegations, saying the movement was meant to unite, not divide.

He was later acquitted by the court, but the event remains one of the most debated chapters in his life.

Another controversy arose during his Pakistan visit in 2005, when he praised Jinnah as a secular leader. This upset some sections of the BJP and the RSS, though Advani clarified that he was referring to Jinnah’s early political speeches.

Despite these issues, Advani’s reputation for honesty and personal integrity remained untarnished.

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Legacy and Contribution

Lal Krishna Advani’s contribution to Indian politics is enormous. He transformed the BJP from a small opposition party into a national powerhouse.
He introduced professionalism, discipline, and long-term strategy into Indian political organization.

He also mentored a whole generation of leaders — from Narendra Modi and Arun Jaitley to Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh. His impact can be seen in the way BJP functions even today — with a mix of ideology, technology, and grassroots organization.

Advani will always be remembered as a builder, strategist, and patriot who dedicated his entire life to India’s service.

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Interesting Facts About L.K. Advani

• He is fluent in Sindhi, Hindi, and English.

• He once wanted to become a lawyer, but politics drew him in.

• Advani loves watching Bollywood movies and often quotes film dialogues in casual conversations.

• During his Rath Yatra, he traveled over 10,000 kilometers and addressed hundreds of rallies.

• Despite being strict and disciplined, he is known for his sense of humor in private circles.

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Advani’s Philosophy of Life

Advani often says that his biggest inspiration comes from India’s culture and history.
He believes that politics should be about nation-building, not personal gain. His speeches and writings often reflect his deep respect for democracy, free speech, and moral values.

He once said:

“Politics is not about power. It is about service — service to the nation and to the people.”

This simple yet profound statement summarizes his life’s journey.

Bharat Ratna to Lal Krishna Advani

On 02nd Feb, 2024 Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed that the Bharatiya Janata Party's esteemed leader, Lal Krishna Advani, will be awarded the Bharat Ratna. PM Modi personally reached out to congratulate him on this prestigious recognition.

Through a message on X (previously known as Twitter), the Prime Minister expressed, “It brings me immense joy to announce that Shri LK Advani Ji will receive the Bharat Ratna. I have also had the privilege of speaking to him and extending my congratulations on this distinguished honor."

I am very happy to share that Shri LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. I also spoke to him and congratulated him on being conferred this honour. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental. His is a… pic.twitter.com/Ya78qjJbPK

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2024

The Prime Minister went on to laud the veteran BJP leader for his remarkable tenure as India's Home Minister and Information & Broadcasting Minister. “His contributions to parliamentary discussions have always stood out, enriched with profound insights."

PM Modi highlighted Advani's long-standing dedication to public service, characterized by his steadfast commitment to transparency and integrity, which has set a benchmark for political conduct.

“He has contributed immensely to promoting national unity and the revival of our cultural heritage. The awarding of the Bharat Ratna to him is a deeply moving moment for me. It has been an honor of a lifetime to have had numerous opportunities to engage with him and to have been mentored by him," added PM Modi.

Conclusion

Lal Krishna Advani’s life is more than just a story of political success — it’s the story of a man who dedicated every moment to his country.
From a young refugee after Partition to one of the tallest leaders of independent India, his journey is full of lessons in perseverance, discipline, and patriotism.

Even in his 90s, Advani continues to be a guiding light for Indian politics. His calm personality, deep knowledge, and decades of service make him one of the most respected figures in India’s democratic history.

He didn’t just build a political party — he helped shape a new idea of India: confident, self-reliant, and rooted in its culture.

Whether one agrees with his ideology or not, there is no denying that L.K. Advani will always be remembered as a legendary figure — a man who changed the direction of Indian politics and left behind a lasting legacy.

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