Bhubaneswar: Internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a stunning sand art on Puri beach, wishing veteran BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani on his 99th birth anniversary.
“On the 99th birthday of Bharat Ratna Shri Lal Krishna Advani Ji, our sand art at Puri Beach, Odisha, conveys heartfelt birthday greetings and respect. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless him with good health, peace and happiness,” Pattnaik wrote on his X handle along with his art.
Advani is one of the most prominent leaders in the history of the BJP. He played a key role in the party’s growth from a relatively small political force into a major national political organisation.
Advani served as the BJP president on multiple occasions and was instrumental in strengthening the party’s organisational base across the country. His nationwide Ram Rath Yatra in 1990 became a significant turning point in Indian politics and helped expand the BJP’s political reach.
He served as India’s Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004 under the government led by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He also held several important portfolios, including Home Affairs, during his political career.
In recognition of his contribution to public life, Advani was conferred the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 2024. He was previously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2015.Advani remains a senior figure in the BJP and a key part of the party’s political history.
