Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
Graduated in Hindi, English, and Sanskrit, and completed MA in Political Science from DAV College, Kanpur.
Joined the Quit India Movement in 1942 and became an active member of RSS.
Became the national president of Bharatiya Jan Sangh in 1968.
Served as Foreign Minister in the Janata Party government in 1977.
First term in May 1996, second term from 1998 to 1999, and a full term from 1999 to 2004.
First Indian to give a speech in Hindi at the United Nations in 1977.
Co-founded the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980 and became its first president.
Received Bharat Ratna in 2015 and Padma Vibhushan in 1992.
Passed away on August 16, 2018, at the age of 93