'An honour for my ideals and principles': LK Advani on Bharat Ratna

Responding to the Bharat Ratna award conferred to him, veteran BJP leader LK Advani on Saturday expressed his gratitude, saying that it was an honour not only for him but also for the ideals and principles he stood by for decades.

"With utmost humility and gratitude, I accept the Bharat Ratna that has been conferred on me today. 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."

While reflecting on his journey starting from the RSS, the 96-year-old said that he sought reward only by showing dedication towards the country and ambracing any task life assigned him.

He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bestowing the coveted award upon him.

"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 sustainance in my life," he said.

"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," he said.

"Today I gratefully remember two persons with whom I had the honour of working closely – Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee," Advani said.