96 years old Lal Krishna Advani received the highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, from President Droupadi Murmu at his residence on Sunday.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and family members of Advani were present on the occasion.

In a statement, the Rashtrapati Bhavan paid tributes to the veteran politician as “a doyen of Indian politics” who has served the nation with unwavering dedication and distinction for over seven decades.

It stated, “Born in Karachi in 1927, he migrated to India in 1947 against the backdrop of partition. With his vision of cultural nationalism, he toiled hard for decades, across the length and breadth of the country, and brought about a transformation in the socio-political landscape. When the Emergency put India’s democracy at risk, the indefatigable crusader in him helped guard it against authoritarian tendencies.

As a parliamentarian, his emphasis on dialogue enriched parliamentary traditions. Whether as Home Minister or as Deputy Prime Minister, he always prioritised national interest above all, earning him respect and admiration from across party lines. His long and tireless struggle for India’s cultural regeneration culminated in the reconstruction of Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya in 2024.

Among the handful of post-Independence political leaders who succeeded in reshaping the national agenda and placing it on the path of development, his accomplishments provide the best articulation of the genius of India and its inclusive traditions.”

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