L K Advani felicitated in Hong Kong by Indian diaspora

NEW DELHI: Senior BJP leader L K Advani was felicitated in Hong Kong by the Indian diaspora on being conferred with Padma Vibhushan, BJP said today.

The Sindhi Association of Hong Kong and China honoured Advani yesterday during his visit there. Hong Kong is home to a sizable number of Sindhis who have done well in business there.

"The Indian Community of Hong Kong came together in an impressive and well-attended function organised by the Sindhi Association of Hong Kong and China to honour and felicitate Advani on being conferred with Padma Vibhushan," the party said in a statement.

The BJP-led NDA government had bestowed the country's second highest civilian honour on the veteran leader early this year.

Advani recalled his childhood in Sindh, and its description in his memoir 'My Country My Life' on the occasion. Speaking about his other works of writing, he said they were a source of great strength to him, the statement said.

His books were released at the function which was among others attended by Consul General of India Prashant Agrawal.

He also recalled his efforts along with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to have Sindhi included in the Schedule of Official Languages.

"Advaniji called upon all members of Sindhi Community to preserve the language by teaching it to children and practicing at home. He paid tribute to the achievements of the Sindhi community across the world and expressed his wish to connect with them wherever they were," it said.

A documentary prepared by his daughter Pratibha Advani to commemorate the 50th wedding anniversary of her parents was also showed.

Eminent persons and leaders from all walks of life paid tribute to "the towering leadership of Advaniji's long and illustrious career," the party said.