Karpoori Thakur: Karpuri Thakur, sometimes known as Karpoori Thakur, served as the Chief Minister of Bihar twice and was a prominent figure in state politics. He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s most prestigious civilian award, on January 24, 2024. Thakur was affectionately referred to as the ‘People’s Leader’. Thakur was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his outstanding contribution to Bihar politics and his influential position in OBC politics in the state. Thakur’s nomination for the Bharat Ratna award was announced, and his family members hailed the honor. In this article, we will discuss all the details regarding Karpoori Thakur and his nomination for the Bharat Ratna Award, as well as other details that you are eager to know more about.
When we talk about Bharat Ratna, a total of 49 people have been awarded the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honor, 17 of whom received it early. Established in 1954, the award is open to individuals of all races, occupations, statuses, and genders. The award is given in recognition of exceptional or supreme service achieved in any human endeavor. Recommendations do not have to be formal; the Prime Minister immediately makes recommendations to the President. Only three annual awards can be given during the Bharat Ratna Award ceremony, and now Thakur has been nominated by the Indian Government, especially Narendra Modi (PM of India) and Draupati Murmu (President of India).
Who is Karpoori Thakur? Why Awarded Bharat Ratan ?
Thakur’s political career was strongly opposed. Being himself a member of the minority Barber tribe, he managed to become the most prominent backward caste leader in Bihar. But his position of influence was eventually eclipsed by the emergence of leaders from larger castes, such as the Yadavs and Dalits. Thakur was born on January 24, 1924, and passed away due to some illness on February 17, 1988. At the time of his death, he was just 64 years old, and he was not so old. Below is the overview table that will give you a brief idea of Karpoori Thakur and his life-related facts, along with the nomination for Bharat Ratna 2024.
Karpoori Thakur, who was once known as Jan Nayak of Bihar, is now elected as a nominee for the Bharat Ratna after his death in 1988, i.e., after almost 34 years since his death. During his time as Chief Minister, he has done many positive things, and one of them was the banning of alcohol in his home state of Bihar.
Who Is Karpoori Thakur ?
As we have already mentioned that the former Chief Minister of Bihar was noted socialist politician Karpuri Thakur. Born on January 24, 1924, and passing away on February 17, 1988, Thakur was affectionately known as ‘Jana Nayak’ or the Leader of the People. Thakur was a prominent socialist politician actively involved in Other Backward Classes (OBC) politics in Bihar. Thakur held the office of Chief Minister of Bihar twice. First, he served for seven months, starting in December 1970.
Later, he served for two years in 1977. Thakur introduced alternatives like free education up to matriculation and the use of Hindi in all civil services. After their deaths in 2024, Thakur was nominated for the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
Why Karpoori Thakur Received Bharat Ratna?
With Mandal-Kamandal politics in full swing, political forces across Bihar are vying for the Thakur legacy. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who belongs to the smaller EBC faction, has been trying to cultivate close ties with the Thakur faction in particular. The important decision to award Thakur the Bharat Ratna was taken to commemorate his birth centenary in response to persistent demands from major political parties in Bihar, including the RJD and JD (U). In short, he would have become 100 years old if he were alive, and that’s the reason why Bihar’s political party recommended honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give the award to their former leader and asked the PM to recommend, felicitate, and honor the award to his family members if he were selected for the Bharat Ratna Award.
What is Bharat Ratna ?
As we have already mentioned in the second paragraph of this article, the Bharat Ratna is a civilian award that is given to legendary people from India. Overall 49 people have been awarded the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honor, 17 of whom received it early. Established in 1954, the award is open to individuals of all races, occupations, statuses, and genders. The award is given in recognition of exceptional or supreme service achieved in any human endeavor. Now you must have understood the Bharat Ratna award if you didn’t know what it was exactly.
Karpoori Thakur – Impact on Bihar’s Economy
The policies of Karpuri Thakur had a tremendous impact on the economy of Bihar. Thakur implemented laws requiring Hindi to be spoken in all state departments and provided free education up to matriculation level. These measures have created opportunities for the disadvantaged sections of society and have helped to increase the literacy rate in Bihar. The turning point in Bihar politics was Thakur’s emphasis on the rights of the poor, underprivileged, and backward castes. These policy choices had a huge impact and still have current relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions – Kharpuri Thakur
Who was Karpoori Thakur?
Karpoori Thakur was a political party leader and former Chief Minister of Bihar.
When was Karpoori Thakur born and died?
Karpoori Thakur was born on January 24, 1924, and died on February 17, 1988.
Why did Karpuri Thakur receive the Bharat Ratna?
Karpuri Thakur received the Bharat Ratna to commemorate his centenary birth anniversary.
