Bharat Ratna recipient Lal Krishna Advani enters his hundredth year

Lal Krishna Advani entered his hundredth year on 8 November 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the milestone. Advani was born on 8 November 1927 in Karachi, which is now in Pakistan. Entering his hundredth year means he had completed 99 years on that date.

Advani served as Union Home Minister and later as Deputy Prime Minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government. He is also a recipient of the Bharat Ratna. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award at a ceremony at Advani’s residence in New Delhi on 31 March 2024. The announcement of the award had come earlier, on 3 February 2024. The date of the award ceremony and the date marking the beginning of his hundredth year refer to separate events. One records the conferral of a civilian honour, while the other marks a personal milestone.

Facts to remember

• Lal Krishna Advani was born on 8 November 1927 in Karachi.
• He entered his hundredth year on 8 November 2026.
• He served as Union Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister under Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• Droupadi Murmu conferred the Bharat Ratna on him in New Delhi on 31 March 2024.

Background

The Bharat Ratna was instituted in 1954 and is India’s highest civilian award. The Prime Minister recommends recipients to the President. Eligibility is not restricted to holders of a particular public office. The honour is a separate recognition from any office held during the recipient’s career.

Why it matters for exams

For CLAT Persons in News and Polity, connect Advani with his Union offices and revise the status of the Bharat Ratna among civilian honours.