L.K. Advani was born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, British India (now in Pakistan).
During the Partition of India in 1947, his family moved from Karachi to India, settling in Bombay (now Mumbai).
Advani completed his early education at Saint Patrick's High School, Karachi, and later graduated from Government Law College, Bombay University.
He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1942, marking the beginning of his political journey.
Co-founded the Bharatiya Jan Sangh in 1951 with Syama Prasad Mukherjee, aimed at promoting Hindu nationalist ideology.
Elected as the Secretary of the Jan Sangh's Parliamentary group in 1957 and later became its president in 1973.
Advani was imprisoned during the Emergency (1975-1977) imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which significantly influenced his political ideology.
Played a pivotal role in the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980, serving as its president multiple times.
Led the significant Rath Yatra in 1990, which mobilized support for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and boosted the BJP’s profile.
Served as Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004 under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, also holding the portfolio of Home Affairs.
Held the position of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha multiple times, notably from 1991 to 1993 and from 2004 to 2009.
Instrumental in BJP’s electoral victories in the 1998 and 1999 general elections, leading to the formation of the NDA government.
In 2024 L.K. Advani was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in recognition of his contributions to Indian politics and public life.