Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tributes to Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur on his birth anniversary, saying he will always be remembered for his simplicity and dedication to public service.
Karpoori Thakur, popularly known as ‘Jan Nayak’, served twice as the Chief Minister of Bihar — from December 1970 to June 1971 and from June 1977 to April 1979.
He earned the title ‘Jan Nayak’ for his lifelong work for the marginalised, his role in implementing key reservation policies, promoting education, and championing social justice. He is remembered for advocating the rights of Backward Classes, making education free up to Class 8, and enforcing total prohibition in Bihar.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “On the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister of Bihar, Bharat Ratna Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji, I offer my humble salutations. The upliftment of the exploited, deprived and weaker sections of society was always at the centre of his politics. For his simplicity and dedication to public service, he will forever remain memorable and exemplary.”
Karpoori Thakur was posthumously awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, by the Modi government on January 26, 2024.
In a video message, the Prime Minister described Thakur as a “precious gem of Maa Bharti” and said it was an honour for his government to confer the Bharat Ratna on him.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to the former Bihar Chief Minister, saying, “By arranging reservations for the deprived, Backward Classes, women and economically weaker sections, he established exemplary ideals of social justice.”
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda also remembered Karpoori Thakur, calling him a symbol of social harmony and a tireless champion of the rights of the Backward Classes, Dalits, the poor and farmers.
“The revered Karpoori Ji dedicated his entire life to fighting for the rights of the Backward Classes, Dalits, the poor and farmers. His ideals and struggles will forever inspire us to follow the path of justice, equality and service,” he said.
