Never compromised my principles: Advani

BJP patriarch L K Advani on Sunday said he has learnt from the RSS not to promote any wrongdoing and has never compromised with his principles.

Speaking at the 80th anniversary celebrations of Brahma Kumaris, a spiritual organisation, at its campus here, Advani said that he has learnt many things from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), including discipline and honesty, which helped mould his character.

He described the RSS, the ideological parent of the BJP, as "one of the good organisations" and stressed the need for upright conduct of the people working with such outfits.

"Since childhood I have been associated with an organisation which I respect a lot.

"I believe there are several good organisations in India and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is one of them. I am proud of it because I have got my education from the RSS as also qualities of discipline, honesty and idealism from it and that one should be upright in their conduct."

He said that it was the RSS' ideology to never promote wrongdoing. "And if anyone engages in some wrong doing it should not be encouraged. These are small, little things but I believe, having imbibed them, I have been able to work for the society," he said.

"I have, in my life and conduct, never compromised my principles," said the 89-year-old former deputy prime minister, who had opposed Narendra Modi's nomination as prime ministerial candidate by BJP for the 2014 Lok Sabha election.

Advani has since been marginalised in the party. He was moved out of the all-important Parliamentary Board and put in the largely-ceremonial 'Margdarshak Mandal' after Modi's victory in Lok Sabha polls. Recalling how he had seen the institution grow since its early days in Karachi, before the partition of the subcontinent, Advani said the Brahma Kumaris were a source of moral guidance for the world and people could learn honesty and discipline from them.

"Never compromise your nature. Don't let your nature deteriorate," he said.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, actress Raveena Tandon, Dadi Hirdaya Mohini, additional head, and Dadi Ratan Mohini, joint head of the Brahma Kumaris, were present on the occasion.