Former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur to be Posthumously Awarded Bharat Ratna
the country's highest civilian award, he was the first non-Congress socialist leader to serve as chief minister twice in Bihar.
In a historic decision, the Government of India has announced that the late Karpoori Thakur, former Chief Minister of Bihar, will be posthumously conferred with the prestigious Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award, he was the first non-Congress socialist leader to serve as chief minister twice in Bihar.
Thakur, affectionately known as ‘Jan Nayak’ (people’s leader), passed away in 1988 but is being honored for his significant contributions to Bihar politics. The communique from Rashtrapati Bhavan stated, “The President has been pleased to award Bharat Ratna to Shri Karpoori Thakur (posthumously),” making him the 49th recipient of the country’s highest civilian award. The last recipient was late president Pranab Mukherjee in 2019.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight at this decision by praising Thakur as a “beacon of social justice” and emphasizing the enduring impact of his efforts on creating a more equitable society. The announcement coincides with the birth centenary of Karpoori Thakur, adding a symbolic touch to the recognition. Born on January 24, 1924, in the Nai samaj (barber society), Thakur played a pivotal role in Bihar politics by enforcing total prohibition of alcohol in 1970.
His birthplace in Samastipur district was renamed KarpuriGram in his honor, reflecting the profound impact of his leadership. He played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle from a young age, enduring imprisonment during the Quit India Movement. His widespread appeal, stemming from a modest lifestyle and an unwavering commitment to social justice, contributed to his electoral success from 1952 onward.
Thakur actively championed the rights of marginalized communities, including scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, thakur’s significant contributions to uplifting the backward classes in Bihar and his pioneering role in implementing reservation benefits for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) during his tenure as Bihar CM from 1977 to 1979 , making social justice and inclusive development integral to his political ideology. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar welcomed the decision, stating that it fulfills a long-standing demand of the ruling Janata Dal (United) and will send a positive message among deprived sections of society expressing that he has always raised the demand for Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur.
The announcement that came on the eve of his 100th birth anniversary brings great delight to him . The Congress party also expressed its approval on Wednesday for the posthumous conferment of the Bharat Ratna to former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, describing him as a champion of social justice. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh welcomed the decision, emphasizing that while it may reflect the Modi government’s desperation and hypocrisy, it acknowledges Thakur’s contributions. Ramesh further asserted that conducting a nationwide caste census would be a fitting tribute to the late leader.
The Congress’s statement adds a nuanced perspective to the recognition of Thakur, urging for a broader effort in understanding and addressing social disparities. As India prepares to celebrate the birth centenary of Karpoori Thakur on January 24, the posthumous conferment of the Bharat Ratna serves as a fitting tribute to his unwavering commitment to social justice and his visionary leadership that left an indelible mark on the country’s socio-political fabric. The award not only honors his remarkable contributions but also inspires a continued mission toward creating a more just and equitable society.
By Yashasvi Raghav
