'Bharat Ratna', India's highest civilian honour, has been posthumously bestowed upon Karpoori Thakur, the esteemed former chief minister of Bihar and a revered socialist leader fondly known as 'Jan Nayak' (people's leader). Thakur, who held the position of Bihar's chief minister twice, from December 1970 to June 1971 and later from December 1977 to April 1979, has left an indelible mark on Indian politics.
Karpoori Thakur's Early Life
Karpoori Thakur, born on January 24, 1924, in Pitaunjhia village in Bihar's Samastipur district, now renamed 'Karpuri Gram,' embarked on his political journey inspired by Indian nationalistic ideals. While pursuing his studies, he joined the All India Students' Federation (AISF), the oldest student organization in India.
Driven by a fervour for Indian independence, Thakur abandoned his graduation studies to actively participate in the Quit India Movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942. His courage led to a 26-month imprisonment as the British authorities cracked down on movement participants.
Karpoori Thakur and Post-Independence Indian Politics
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Return to Politics
Following India's independence in 1947, Thakur, initially a village teacher, re-entered the political arena with a victory in the 1952 Bihar Legislative Assembly election from the Tajpur constituency, representing the Socialist Party.
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Champion of Workers' Rights
Thakur's political legacy thrived on his relentless advocacy for workers' rights and his fervent push for reservations for backward classes. Arrested for leading workers' strikes, he undertook a 28-day fast-unto-death agitation in 1970 for labourers at Telco.
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Bold Policy Moves
Before becoming Bihar's first non-Congress socialist chief minister, Thakur served as the state's education minister. Advocating for Hindi education over English, he removed English as a compulsory subject for matriculation. As chief minister, he enforced a complete ban on alcohol and introduced 26% reservation for backward classes in government jobs.
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Sampoorna Kranti and Beyond
Close to iconic socialist leader Jay Prakash Narayan, Thakur played a pivotal role in the 'Sampoorna Kranti' movement during the Emergency (1975-77). Despite the Janata Party split in 1979, Thakur continued his political journey, supporting the Charan Singh faction.
Karpoori Thakur's Struggle for Social Justice
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Early Freedom Fighter
Born in Bihar's Samastipur district, Thakur actively participated in India's freedom struggle during the Quit India Movement, enduring imprisonment alongside fellow freedom fighters.
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Advocate for Marginalized Communities
A consistent election victor due to his modest lifestyle and unwavering commitment, Thakur actively championed the rights of marginalized communities, including scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and other backward classes.
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Recognition of a Legacy
The announcement of Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur, ahead of his 100th birth anniversary, is a fitting tribute to his enduring commitment to social justice and inclusive development.
Nitish Elated Over Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed joy at the long-awaited decision to confer Bharat Ratna on Karpoori Thakur. The ruling Janata Dal (United) deemed it a fulfilment of their longstanding demand, anticipating a positive impact on deprived sections of society.
"I have consistently advocated for Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur. The announcement on the eve of his 100th birth anniversary brings me immense delight," remarked Nitish Kumar, underscoring the significance of this prestigious recognition.
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