Context: 

Recently, the Prime Minister announced that LK Advani will be conferred Bharat Ratna 2024, India’s highest civilian award.

LK Advani Biography: His Early Life & Political Career

• LK Advani Early Life and Influences

• • Birth: Born in Karachi on November 8, 1927, against the backdrop of pre-Partition India.
  • Lk Advani Age: 96 years.
  • Influence: By teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom struggle.
  • Early affiliation with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

• LK Advani Initial Political Involvement

• • Entry into politics through RSS and membership in Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951.
  • Elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1970, marking the beginning of significant political involvement.

• The Epoch of the BJP

• • Co-founder of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980.
  • Key role in transforming BJP from a regional force to a dominant national player.
  • Shaped BJP’s ideology and electoral strategy.

• LK Advani Role in Ram Mandir

• • Advocacy for Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the 1980s.
  • Support for Ayodhya Ram mandir construction galvanised Hindu sentiments.
  • Influenced Indian politics and BJP’s ascent to power.

• Tenure as Deputy Prime Minister

• • Served as India’s Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004.
  • Contributions to economic reforms, infrastructure development, and nuclear tests of 1998.

• Champion of Democratic Values

• • Steadfast advocate for democracy throughout his career.
  • Leader of the Opposition, promoting constructive dissent and dialogue.

• The Mentorship Era

• • Mentor to emerging leaders within the BJP.

• • Instrumental in shaping the party’s ideology and strategic direction.

About Bharat Ratna

It is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India, instituted on 2 January 1954.

• The award is conferred in recognition of exceptional service performance of the highest order without distinction of race, occupation, or sex.
• Award Specifications: The original specifications for the award called for a circular gold medal, 35 mm in diameter, with the sun and the Hindi legend “Bharat Ratna” above and a floral wreath below. 
  • The reverse was to carry the state emblem and motto.

Criteria For Bharat Ranta 

• The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President. 
• The number of annual awards is restricted to three in a particular year.  
• On award confirmation, the recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.  
• The Award does not carry any monetary grant.  
• In terms of Article 18 (1) of the Constitution, the award cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the recipient’s name. 

Important Facts About Bharat Ratna Recipient

• The holders of Bharat Ratna rank 7th in the Indian order of precedence.
• Till now it has been given to 50 persons and 15 are awarded posthumously.
• First Bharat Ratna Awardee: Shri RajagopalaChari, Sarvapalli Radha Krishna, CV Raman
• Youngest Bharat Ratna Recipient: Sachin Tendulkar and only sportsman.
• First singer  Recipient of Bharat Ratna:  M.S. Subbulakshmi.
• First foreigner Recipient:  Abdul Gaffar Khan & Nelson Mandela.
• First naturalized Indian citizen: Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, better known as Mother Teresa.
• Out of 50 Bharat Ratna awardees, five females, six presidents and seven prime ministers are awarded by Bharat Ratna.
• Bharat Ratna was suspended only from July 1977 to January 1980 due to a change in government and again suspended between August 1992 to December 1995.