BJP Honors LK Advani's Legacy with Havan on 99th Birthday
BJP leaders gather for a havan and tribute to celebrate the 99th birthday of Bharat Ratna LK Advani, honoring his legacy in Indian politics.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) marked a significant milestone on Sunday as they gathered at their headquarters to celebrate the 99th birthday of former Deputy Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna recipient LK Advani. The celebrations began with a spiritual start, featuring a havan ceremony held from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, attended by several senior party leaders, including BJP National President Nitin Nabin.
A Tribute to a Political Journey
Following the prayer ceremony, the party organized a special 20-minute video presentation from 10:45 AM to 11:00 AM. The presentation provided a deep dive into Advani's life journey, showcasing his most influential speeches and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. The event concluded with an address to the gathering by the BJP National President.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Nitin Nabin expressed his deep respect for the veteran leader, describing him as a guide to the party. Nabin highlighted Advani's "unforgettable contribution" to the growth of the BJP, noting how he helped spread nationalist ideology across the country and transformed the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement into a massive public crusade. He further praised Advani's integrity and unwavering commitment, stating that these traits serve as a constant inspiration for all party workers.
PM Modi Reflects on Advani's 'Everlasting Contribution'
Adding to the celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi published a heartfelt article in various national newspapers, reflecting on the profound impact LK Advani has had on India. The Prime Minister recalled Advani's early life, noting that as a youth in 1947, he endured the trauma of leaving his home in Sindh during Partition. PM Modi emphasized that Advani rebuilt his life without bitterness, a quality that later defined his leadership in the Jana Sangh and the BJP.
The Prime Minister's tribute specifically pointed to the electoral shifts during Advani's tenure as party president, noting that the Congress party's strength dropped from 400 to below 200 in 1989, and the BJP emerged as the single largest party for the first time in 1996. Modi credited Advani with nurturing generations of party workers (Karyakartas) and establishing a foundation based on the principle of "Nation First."
A Lifetime of Service: From Karachi to Bharat Ratna
Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi (now in Pakistan), LK Advani's journey into public service began in 1942 when he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a Swayamsevak. Over the decades, he became a cornerstone of Indian politics, serving as the National President of the BJP for three separate terms: 1986–1990, 1993–1998, and 2004–2005. This makes him the longest-serving president in the history of the party since its founding in 1980.
Advani's administrative experience includes serving as the Home Minister from 1999 to 2004 and as the Deputy Prime Minister in the NDA government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee from 2002 to 2004. In recognition of his lifelong dedication and exceptional service to the nation, President Droupadi Murmu conferred upon him the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in March this year.