Bharat Ratna Honored Lal Krishna Advani Biography

Lal Krishna Advani, born on November 8, 1927, and widely recognized as L.K. Advani, is a distinguished Indian politician and a foundational pillar of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which he helped establish in April 1980.

During the tenure of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government from 1998 to 2004, Advani held the pivotal role of Minister of Home Affairs. He ascended to the position of India's 7th Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004, serving under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Advani also played a crucial role as the Leader of the Opposition in the 10th and 14th Lok Sabha, marking his significant contributions to Indian parliamentary proceedings. His political journey commenced with his involvement in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization, where he started as a volunteer.

In recognition of his extensive service and contributions to the nation, Advani was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 2015.

Lal Krishna Advani Early Life 

Lal Krishna Advani's early life was marked by the tumultuous period of the late colonial era and the partition of India, events that played a significant role in shaping his political views and career. Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, then part of British India and now in Pakistan, Advani grew up in a Hindu Sindhi family. His upbringing in Karachi, a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population, offered him early exposure to a variety of cultural and political perspectives.

His family was among the many Hindu Sindhis who migrated to India, eventually settling in Bombay (now Mumbai), a city that became a melting pot of refugees from different parts of the subcontinent. This experience of displacement and resettlement would later influence his political ideology, particularly his views on national identity, security, and the importance of a strong central government.

Lal Krishna Advani Education

Lal Krishna Advani is well-educated, having pursued his studies in both Karachi and Mumbai. Born in Karachi before the partition of India, Advani received his early education there. He attended Saint Patrick's High School in Karachi, which is known for its rigorous academic curriculum. After completing his schooling, Advani went on to pursue higher education in the same city.

For his college education, Advani enrolled at D.G. National College in Hyderabad, Sindh, which was then part of British India and is now in Pakistan. After the partition in 1947, Advani, like millions of others, moved to India as a refugee. He continued his education in Mumbai (then Bombay), where he attended the Government Law College, Mumbai. At Government Law College, he studied law, which laid a foundational understanding of legal principles and the judicial system that would later serve him in his extensive political career.

His educational background in law also reflects his early engagement with issues of governance, justice, and public service, themes that would recur throughout his political journey.

Lal Krishna Advani Political Career

Advani began his political career as a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization, and later became one of the founding members of the Janata Party, which was formed in opposition to the Emergency imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. When the Janata Party dissolved in 1980, Advani was among the key figures who established the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

He has held several important positions within the BJP and the Indian government. Advani served as the President of the BJP for multiple terms and was the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India's Parliament) at various times. He played a crucial role in bringing the BJP to the forefront of Indian politics, especially during the 1990s.

Advani's Ram Rath Yatra

One of the most significant and controversial parts of Advani's career was his leadership of the Ram Rath Yatra in 1990, a political rally that aimed to garner support for the construction of the Ram Temple at the disputed Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya. The yatra heightened communal tensions in the country and is considered a pivotal moment in the rise of Hindu nationalism in India. The Babri Masjid was demolished by Hindu mobs in 1992, leading to widespread riots and violence.

Lal Krishna Advani as a Deputy Prime Minister

Advani has also held high-ranking positions in the Indian government. He served as the Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004 under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In addition, he has held the portfolio of the Minister of Home Affairs, among other ministerial responsibilities.

Despite his contributions to the BJP and its rise to power, Advani's relationship with the party has seen ups and downs, especially with the emergence of Narendra Modi as a central figure in the BJP and his subsequent election as Prime Minister of India. Advani has been seen as part of the party's old guard, and his influence within the party has waned in recent years.

Advani's career reflects the ideological shifts and changes within the BJP and Indian politics over the decades, and he remains a figure of significant historical and political importance.

Lal Krishna Advani Family

Lal Krishna Advani married Kamla Advani in February 1965. The couple had a long and supportive marriage until Kamla Advani's passing in 2016. Together, they had two children: a son, Jayant Advani, and a daughter, Pratibha Advani. Pratibha Advani has made a name for herself as a media personality.

The family has kept a relatively low profile, despite Lal Krishna Advani's towering presence in Indian politics. His personal life has seldom been the focus of media attention, reflecting perhaps both his and his family's preference for privacy. Kamla Advani was known to be a stabilizing and supportive force in his life, often staying out of the limelight while her husband navigated the complexities of Indian politics. 

The Advani family, like many others in the public sphere, has balanced the demands of public service with the need for private life. Through the ups and downs of a long and eventful political career, the family has remained closely knit, sharing in both the challenges and achievements of Lal Krishna Advani's journey.

Lal Krishna Advani Controversies

Lal Krishna Advani, a prominent figure in Indian politics, has been associated with several controversies during his long career, most notably his involvement in the Ayodhya movement.

Perhaps the most significant controversy linked with Advani is the Rath Yatra he led in 1990 to mobilize support for the construction of a Ram temple at the site of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. This movement culminated in the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992, by kar sevaks (volunteer activists), leading to widespread communal riots across India. Although Advani and other BJP leaders were charged for their involvement in the demolition, he maintained that the demolition was unplanned and expressed deep regret over the incident.

LK Advani Life Facts

Lal Krishna Advani, a prominent figure in Indian politics, has had a career filled with significant moments and contributions. Here are some interesting facts about him:

Early Involvement in Politics: Advani's political career began early when he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of 14. His dedication to the RSS and its ideology shaped his future in Indian politics.

Journalistic Beginnings: Before entering the political arena, Advani worked as a journalist for the RSS-affiliated newspapers "Organiser" and "Panchjanya." His journalistic work played a crucial role in his early political career, providing him with a platform to express his views and gain recognition within the RSS and its affiliated organizations.

Long March to Leadership: Advani's Rath Yatra in 1990, aimed at mobilizing support for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya, marked a significant moment in Indian politics. The Yatra played a crucial role in bringing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the forefront of Indian politics and significantly altered the country's communal and political landscape.

Instrumental in BJP's Rise: Advani, along with Atal Bihari Vajpayee, played a pivotal role in transforming the BJP from a marginal player into a major political force in India. Under their leadership, the BJP adopted the strategy of broadening its appeal beyond its traditional base, which eventually led to its emergence as a dominant force in Indian politics.

Pakistani Origin: Born in Karachi, Pakistan (then part of British India), Advani was one of the millions affected by the Partition of India in 1947. His family moved to India during the partition, an experience that deeply influenced his political views, particularly regarding nationalism and identity.

Author of Several Books: Advani is also an author, having written books that reflect on his political journey, the ideology of the BJP, and his perspectives on Indian politics. His autobiography, "My Country My Life," is a comprehensive account of his personal and political life.

Awards and Recognitions: Advani has been recognized for his contributions to Indian politics. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 2015, for his contributions in the field of public affairs.

Key Role in Governance: Advani has held several important positions in the Indian government, including serving as the Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004 under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure.

A Long Parliamentary Career: Advani has been a Member of Parliament for several terms, representing different constituencies in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, showcasing his enduring appeal and influence in Indian politics over decades.

These facts highlight Lal Krishna Advani's multifaceted career and his significant impact on the political landscape of India.

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.