New Delhi: Bihar’s beloved former Chief Minister, Karpuri Thakur, has been posthumously bestowed with India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna.
Karpuri Thakur, a champion of social justice, was posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna
Karpuri Thakur, a freedom fighter, socialist leader, and champion of social justice, was born in 1924 in Samastipur district, Bihar. He died in Patna in 1988 at the age of 64. Thakur served as the chief minister of Bihar twice in the 1970s and is known for his efforts to provide reservation for backward classes.
Early life and activism
Thakur was born into a Koeri family, a traditionally disadvantaged caste in India. He became involved in politics at a young age and participated in the Quit India movement against British rule. He was imprisoned for several months for his activism.
Political career
After India’s independence in 1947, Thakur was elected to the Bihar Legislative Assembly as a member of the Socialist Party. He served in various ministerial positions, including Education Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. In 1970, he became the first non-Congress Chief Minister of Bihar.
Social justice champion
Thakur was a champion of social justice and worked to improve the lives of the underprivileged. He implemented policies such as land reforms and minimum wage laws. He is also credited with introducing reservation for backward classes in government jobs and educational institutions.
Legacy
Thakur’s legacy lives on in Bihar and India. He is remembered as a champion of social justice and an inspiration to future generations. In 2024, on the occasion of his birth centenary, the Indian government posthumously awarded him the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.
Reactions to the Bharat Ratna award
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Thakur was a “beacon of social justice” and that the Bharat Ratna award was a “testament to his constant efforts on behalf of the underprivileged and as a champion of equality and empowerment.”
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that Thakur was a “great leader” and that the Bharat Ratna award was a “fitting tribute to his life and work.”
Conclusion
Karpuri Thakur was a remarkable man who made a significant contribution to Indian society. His life and work are an inspiration to us all.
For More Interesting Stories
I am delighted that the Government of India has decided to confer the Bharat Ratna on the beacon of social justice, the great Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji and that too at a time when we are marking his birth centenary. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his enduring… pic.twitter.com/9fSJrZJPSP
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2024
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