Celebrating a Century: The Legacy of Lal Krishna Advani on His 100th Birthday

A Milestone Celebration

Today, on November 8th, Shri Lal Krishna Advani marks his centenary. This significant birthday aligns with Diwali, a festival linked to Prabhu Shri Ram, and coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Jana Sangh, the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Hedgewar, and the centenary celebration of the RSS.

Few individuals have influenced so many facets of contemporary India as Advani Ji. Born on November 8, 1927, during Dev Deepawali, he faced the heart-wrenching experience of leaving his home in Sindh in 1947.

Despite the challenges, he rebuilt his life with resilience, a quality that has defined his journey. This determination was evident as he played a pivotal role in fortifying the Jana Sangh and later establishing the BJP. Under his leadership, the BJP emerged as the largest political party in 1996, while the Congress party saw a significant decline.

Advani Ji has mentored countless Karyakartas, instilling a strong foundation in the Party based on the principle of putting the nation first. His leadership is characterized by two distinct qualities: ideological clarity and intellectual acumen, which are reflected in his speeches and writings. The resolutions he penned for the Jana Sangh and BJP remain relevant today, and his interviews have always been sharp and insightful.

Moreover, he was instrumental in challenging the pseudo-secularism that pervaded Indian politics for years. Advani Ji approached every role with great dedication. As an RSS Pracharak, he began his work in various regions of Rajasthan before moving to the national capital, where he collaborated closely with Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Their partnership is a rare example of two prominent political figures working together harmoniously for decades.

Advani Ji and Atal Ji significantly transformed Indian politics. When Advani Ji arrived in Delhi, the city was grappling with the aftermath of Partition. He dedicated himself to strengthening the Jana Sangh. In 1967, he became the Chairman of the Delhi Metropolitan Council, working alongside the late Vijay Kumar Malhotra Ji.

His parliamentary career commenced in 1970, where his contributions were acknowledged across party lines. He made a significant impact as an MP and later as the Leader of Opposition in both houses, while also serving from the treasury benches. Despite his parliamentary duties, he traveled extensively across India to connect with the populace.

I recall the 1991 Lok Sabha elections vividly. It was decided that Advani Ji would contest from two constituencies, including Gandhinagar, where he had deep-rooted connections due to his father's settlement in Kutch post-Partition.

Advani Ji had also served as a Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, making his candidacy a homecoming. Being part of the BJP organization, I had the privilege of assisting him with his campaign preparations. The people of Gandhinagar repeatedly elected him to Parliament.

As a voter in Gandhinagar, I had the honor of casting my vote for Advani Ji multiple times. His dedication to his constituency is a lesson for all. The Emergency period was a pivotal moment in Advani Ji's life.

He played a crucial role in safeguarding democracy and upholding the Constitution. His experiences during this time are chronicled in his book, 'A Prisoner’s Scrap-Book,' particularly in a section titled 'A Tale of Two Emergencies,' which draws parallels between the events in India starting June 1975 and those in Nazi Germany in 1933.

Advani Ji was not only a passionate opposition leader but also an exceptional administrator. When the Janata Government took office in 1977, he became the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, where his contributions were widely recognized. As Deputy Prime Minister and one of India's longest-serving Home Ministers, he played a vital role in enhancing the country's security framework.

His efforts to improve the welfare of security personnel are fondly remembered. His unwavering stance against terrorism led to the establishment of a stringent anti-terror law. A defining moment in Advani Ji's life was the Somnath to Ayodhya Rath Yatra, which positively influenced Indian society.

I consider it a privilege to have been involved in this Yatra from its inception to execution. Being present at Somnath for the Yatra's commencement was particularly memorable. Organizing a Yatra demands immense effort, including long hours, constant travel, physical stamina, and the ability to maintain focus despite exhaustion.

Advani Ji exemplified this endurance. I also recall the unfortunate moments of his arrest in Bihar and the BJP's withdrawal of support from the Chimanbhai Patel Government in Gujarat, sending a clear message that there would be no compromise on our ideology and the Ram Temple. Many senior leaders and Karyakartas vowed that a Ram Temple would be constructed, regardless of the challenges.

Years later, with the support of the Indian populace, a magnificent Mandir for Prabhu Shri Ram was realized in Ayodhya. Advani Ji's journey is filled with remarkable achievements, including his simplicity. After the Navnirman Movement, he spent a month in Junagadh as an ordinary Karyakarta, preparing the Party for Assembly elections that ultimately rejected Congress.

He has consistently demonstrated integrity in public life. A voracious reader, those who have spent time with him know how meticulously he reviews newspapers. He is also an avid fan of cinema and theatre, often sharing his critiques. His appreciation for history and the importance of preserving it is evident in his book, 'My Country My Life.' Advani Ji has always maintained a connection with Sindhi culture.

He also worked to popularize the Sindhu Darshan Puja near Leh. I had the opportunity to attend one such Puja with Advani Ji and George Fernandes Ji. Any account of Advani Ji's extraordinary journey would be incomplete without acknowledging Kamla Advani Ji, who was a steadfast source of support throughout his public life.

Having grown up in Karachi, Advani Ji could hardly have envisioned the path his life would take. In recognition of his contributions, the people of India honored him with the Bharat Ratna in 2024. As he enters his hundredth year, I wish him continued good health and hope he remains an inspiration to us all.