New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed happiness over the center's decision to confer the Bharat Ratna on former Bihar Chief Minister and social justice icon Karpoori Thakur. "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." Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his tweet posted on X on Tuesday, highlighted that Karpoori Thakur was committed to uplifting the downtrodden. I bow to Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji on his birth centenary. On this special occasion, our Government has had the honour of conferring the Bharat Ratna on him. I’ve penned a few thoughts on his unparalleled impact on our society and polity. https://t.co/DrO4HuejVe — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 24, 2024 "This prestigious recognition is a testament to his enduring efforts as a champion for the marginalised and a stalwart of equality and empowerment. His unwavering commitment to uplift the downtrodden and his visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on India's socio-political fabric." Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that Karpoori Thakur served as an inspiration to attain the goal of social justice. "This award not only honours his remarkable contributions but also inspires us to continue his mission of creating a more just and equitable society." This prestigious award is a tribute to Karpoori Thakur's lifelong dedication to the upliftment of the underprivileged sections of society and his relentless fight for social justice. Known affectionately as 'Jan Nayak' (People's Leader), Thakur's simplicity in his conduct was highly inspiring and his contribution to Indian politics has been monumental. The former Bihar CM was born on January 24, 1924, and passed away on February 17, 1988. Thakur was born in 1924 in one of the most backward sections of society, the Nai Samaj. He was a remarkable leader whose political journey was marked by his unwavering commitment to the marginalized sections of society. He served as the Chief Minister of Bihar and was a key figure in the struggle against social discrimination and inequality. His commitment to affirmative action gave representation and opportunities to the poor, oppressed, exploited and deprived sections of the country. Embarking on his political career with the Praja Socialist Party, he later joined forces with the Janata Party during his initial tenure as the chief minister of Bihar from 1977 to 1979. Over time, he established connections with the Janata Dal, marking a significant shift in his political affiliation.
