PM Modi Honors Karpoori Thakur on 100th Birth Anniversary, Confers Bharat Ratna Award for Social Justice Advocacy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt tributes to the late two-time Bihar chief minister, Karpoori Thakur, on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary. Recognizing Thakur’s pivotal role in promoting social justice and his unwavering dedication to public welfare, Prime Minister Modi celebrated the posthumous awarding of the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, to the iconic leader.

PM Modi shares a post

In a reflective blog post, Prime Minister Modi delved into the enduring legacy of Karpoori Thakur, who, a decade ahead of national initiatives, championed the equitable distribution of reservation benefits and implemented job quotas for other backward classes (OBCs).

“Today marks the birth centenary of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji, whose relentless pursuit of social justice created a positive impact in the lives of crores of people,” expressed Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing the profound influence of Thakur’s efforts on society.

The prime minister illuminated Karpoori Thakur’s modest beginnings and highlighted his resilience in overcoming numerous obstacles to contribute significantly to societal betterment.

On Karpoori Thakur being awarded the Bharat Ratna, RJD MP Manoj Jha says, “This is a very welcome step, but its background needs to be known. He was Lalu ji’s ideological guru. Two years ago, Tejashwi Yadav had strongly demanded this. Now only request to the Prime Minister is that we conduct the caste census and then increase the scope of reservation, this should be included in this ninth list otherwise Bharat Ratna will seem symbolic.”

On Karpoori Thakur being awarded the Bharat Ratna, Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav says, “We have been demanding this for a long time. We are really happy that our former CM has been awarded with Bharat Ratna. Its impact will also be seen politically. Govt of India was forced to take this decision after we conducted the caste census. Whether this decision was taken right before Lok Sabha elections or not is not important, what is important is that our demand has been fulfilled.”

Some of the slogans of Karpoori Thakur were:

1.Padh jaayega toh badh jaayega (If you read, you will improve.)

2. Adhikari chaho toh ladhna sikho, pag pag par tum ladhna seekho, Jeetna hai toh marna seekho (If you want rights, learn to fight, You learn to persevere every step of the way,If you want to live, learn to die.)

3. Jab tak bhuka insan rahega,dharti par tufan rahega (As long as humans remain hungry, there will be a storm on earth)

4. Kamane wala khayega, Lootne wala jaayega (The one who earns will eat, the robber will vanish)

5. Sansopa ne bandhi ganth, pichda pave sau mein sathh (Sansopa tied the knot, backward class 60 out of 100)

6. Poora rashan, pura kaam, nahi toh hoga chakka jaam (Complete ration, complete work, Otherwise there will be traffic jam)

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PM Modi shared anecdotes underscoring Karpoori Thakur’s simplicity, recounting instances where he utilized his personal funds for various matters, including his daughter’s wedding. The acknowledgment of Thakur’s selfless contributions and dedication to social justice marked a significant moment on his centenary birth anniversary.