The prestigious Bharat Ratna will be posthumously awarded to the late former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, renowned for his advocacy for the backward classes. This announcement, from the President's office, precedes the birth anniversary of the esteemed socialist leader by a day.
In lauding Karpoori Thakur as a 'beacon of social justice,' Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed delight at the Government of India's decision to confer the Bharat Ratna upon him. The announcement coincides with the leader's birth centenary, and PM Modi highlighted Thakur's enduring efforts in championing the marginalized, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to uplifting the downtrodden and his visionary leadership.
The late Karpoori Thakur played a pivotal role in North India's political landscape, particularly in Bihar, where he rose from humble beginnings in the Nai (barber) community to become the Chief Minister. His tenure during the 1970s was groundbreaking for the deprived sections of society. Influenced by nationalistic ideas and the 'Lohia' school of thought, Thakur was deeply committed to empowering lower castes.
One of Thakur's significant contributions was the introduction of the "Karpoori Thakur Formula" for reservation, ensuring equitable representation for backward classes in government services. In 1978, he implemented a 26% reservation for backward classes in Bihar, setting the stage for the Mandal Commission recommendations in the 1990s and transforming the political landscape.
As an education minister, Thakur made noteworthy changes such as abolishing English as a compulsory subject at the matriculation level and establishing schools and colleges in backward areas. He also made education up to Class 8 free, addressing the barrier that English posed for many students in competitive examinations.
Beyond educational reforms, Thakur initiated significant land reforms, redistributing land from Zamindars to landless Dalits, earning him the title "Jannayak" or People's Hero. Despite facing resistance from the privileged class, his policies laid the groundwork for future leaders advocating for social justice, leaving an indelible mark on India's socio-political fabric.
