Late former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur was conferred India's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna posthumously on Tuesday.
Hailing from the extremely backward class “Nai” (barber), Karpoori Thakur was born in an impoverished family in Samastipur district but went on to make giant strides in politics that earned him the epithet “Jannayak” (people’s leader).
“The President has been pleased to award Bharat Ratna to Shri Karpoori Thakur (posthumously)," a press release from Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
Karpoori Thakur is a well regarded socialist icon, known for his efforts to uplift the backward classes in Bihar.
Karpoori Thakur was a pioneer in providing the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) with the benefit of reservation as he implemented the recommendations of the Mungeri Lal Commission during his tenure as Bihar CM from 1977 to 1979.
'Delighted': PM Modi On Honour To Karpoori Thakur
Terming Karpoori Thakur as “beacon of social justice,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Bharat Ratna award to him is a testament to his enduring efforts as a champion for the marginalized.
“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 efforts as a champion for the marginalized and a stalwart of equality and empowerment,” PM Modi wrote on X.
He added: “His unwavering commitment to uplift the downtrodden and his visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on India's socio-political fabric. This award not only honours his remarkable contributions but also inspires us to continue his mission of creating a more just and equitable society.”
