LK Advani turns 100: Daughter Pratibha calls it 'greatest blessing'
Synopsis
LK Advani turns 100 — and the milestone is drawing rare, cross-generational tributes. His daughter Pratibha called it the greatest blessing of her life, the BJP held a special puja at its central office, and PM Modi penned a detailed reflection on Advani's defining role in modern India's political history. For a party he helped build from scratch, the centenary is both personal and institutional.
Key Takeaways
Lal Krishna Advani entered his 100th year on 8 November .
Daughter Pratibha Advani said being his daughter was the greatest blessing she could have asked for in life.
BJP National President Nitin Nabin led a special puja and havan at the BJP Central Office in New Delhi .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a detailed article reflecting on Advani's life, political journey, and contribution to India.
Advani served as Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004 and is widely credited with building the BJP into a national force.
Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani entered his 100th year on 8 November 2026, with his daughter Pratibha Advani describing the milestone as the greatest blessing of her life. The occasion was marked by a special religious ceremony at the BJP Central Office in New Delhi, drawing senior party leaders and heartfelt tributes to the veteran politician's decades-long contribution to Indian public life.
Pratibha Advani's Emotional Tribute
Speaking at the event, Pratibha Advani said she found herself overwhelmed by emotion, particularly after watching a short film chronicling her father's life and journey. 'I am extremely happy; words fall short of expressing my emotions. The short film shown today brought back so many old memories. I have always been fortunate to be by his side and to travel with him to every corner of the country. I feel that I could not have asked for anything more in life than to be his daughter,' she said.
She went on to express gratitude for her father's continued presence in her life. 'God has been kind to me by blessing me with his presence for so many years. His blessings have always been upon me, and I could not ask for anything more,' Pratibha added.
Puja and Havan at BJP Central Office
BJP National President Nitin Nabin, accompanied by several senior party leaders, performed a special puja and havan at the BJP Central Office on Sunday to mark the centenary celebrations. The religious ceremony was organised specifically to offer prayers for Advani's good health, longevity, and well-being as he stepped into his 100th year. Pratibha Advani was also present at the ceremony.
PM Modi Reflects on Advani's Legacy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a detailed article on the occasion, tracing Advani's life, political journey, and lasting contribution to the country. In the piece, Modi highlighted several defining moments of Advani's career, describing his journey as closely interwoven with some of the most significant chapters in modern India's political history. The tribute underscored the deep personal and ideological bond between the two leaders.
A Political Career Spanning Decades
Lal Krishna Advani is widely regarded as one of the principal architects of the BJP's rise from a marginal force in the early 1980s to a dominant national party. He served as Deputy Prime Minister under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee between 2002 and 2004, and held the Home Ministry during some of India's most consequential security decisions. His Rath Yatra of 1990 remains one of the most debated and consequential political mobilisations in independent India's history. The centenary milestone is a rare achievement for any public figure and has drawn tributes across party lines.
As Advani enters his 100th year, the BJP is expected to continue centenary celebrations in the days ahead, reflecting on his foundational role in shaping India's contemporary political landscape.
Point of View
Yet they also carry the weight of a complicated succession story that the party rarely discusses openly. Advani's political sidelining in his later years, including the 2014 Lok Sabha seat controversy and his eventual elevation to the largely ceremonial Bharat Ratna, is the subtext no official tribute mentions. The centenary is an opportunity to revisit not just his legacy but also the question of how Indian political parties handle their founding generation once they are no longer electorally useful.
NationPress
8 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is LK Advani in 2026?
Lal Krishna Advani entered his 100th year on 8 November 2026, making him one of the oldest living major political figures in India. He was born on 8 November 1927.
What did Pratibha Advani say on her father's 100th birthday?
Pratibha Advani said that being LK Advani's daughter was the greatest blessing she could have asked for in life. She described being deeply moved by a short film shown at the event that brought back cherished memories of travelling with him across India.
What ceremony did the BJP hold for LK Advani's centenary?
BJP National President Nitin Nabin led a special puja and havan at the BJP Central Office in New Delhi on 8 November to mark Advani's 100th birthday. Party leaders offered prayers for his good health, longevity, and well-being.
What did PM Modi write about LK Advani?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a detailed article on the occasion, reflecting on Advani's life, political journey, and lasting contribution to India. Modi described Advani's career as closely connected with some of the most significant chapters in modern India's history.
What is LK Advani's legacy in Indian politics?
LK Advani is widely regarded as one of the principal architects of the BJP's transformation into a national party and served as Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004. His 1990 Rath Yatra and his long tenure as Home Minister are among the most consequential episodes of his political career.
