‘Gratitude to millions of Swayamsevaks, dear wife Kamla’: Advani on being awarded Bharat Ratna

Advani appeared before the media along with his daughter with folded hands. In a statement, Advani said, “It is not only an honour for me as a person, but also for the ideals and principles that I strove to serve throughout my life to the best of my ability. Ever since I joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as its volunteer at the age of 14, I have sought reward in only thing – in dedicated and selfless service of my beloved country in whatever task life assigned to me.” In his statement, Advani thanked President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Advani said, “What has inspired my life is the motto ‘This life is not mine. My life is for my Nation’.” The BJP leader remembered Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “I also express my deepest feelings for all members of my family, especially my dear departed wife Kamla. They have been the greatest source of strength and sustenance in my life,” he said.

Reacting to the award, Advani’s family said he was overwhelmed and the entire family was very happy. Advani appeared before the media along with his daughter with folded hands. Talking to ANI, Pratibha Advani said, “The entire family is very happy that ‘Dada’ has received the country’s highest honour. He is very happy. Today I miss my mother the most because her contribution to his life, be it personal or political life is huge.” Pratibha added Advani thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his countrymen for honouring him with Bharat Ratna. “He is very overwhelmed. He is a man of few words. But he had tears in his eyes,” Pratibha added.

Advani’s son Jayant Advani said, “It is a matter of happiness of all of us, the country and the family.