Vajpayee was conferred the Padma Vibhushan in 1992 in recognition of his services to the nation.
The Kanpur University also honoured him with an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in 1993.
He was also conferred the Lokmanya Tilak Puraskar and the Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Award for the Best Parliamentarian, both in 1994.
His parliamentary career stretches over four decades. He has been elected to the Lok Sabha nine times and to the Rajya Sabha twice.
He has also been the chairperson of various important standing committees of Parliament and leader of opposition.
Vajpayee enjoying a hearty laugh with Defence Minister George Fernandes.