On the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary of Karpoori Thakur, the Indian government has posthumously awarded him the ‘Bharat Ratna’, India’s highest civilian award.
Birth Century Commemorative Stamp
Department of Posts, India released a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Birth Century of Karpoori Thakur
The award is a testament to his enduring efforts as a champion for the marginalised and a stalwart of equality and empowerment.
Karpoori Thakur is a “Jan Nayak” (People’s Leader) whose life revolved around simplicity and social justice.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India
Karpoori Thakur Life History
Karpoori Thakur was born on January 24, 1924, in Pitaunjhia, Bihar, India.He belonged to the Nai community, which was considered one of the most backward and oppressed sections of society.
Thakur had a difficult childhood, as he faced poverty, discrimination, and lack of opportunities. He was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and his ideals of truth, non-violence, and social service.
He also came under the influence of Satyanarayan Sinha, a freedom fighter and a socialist leader, who mentored him and encouraged him to pursue higher education.
Thakur completed his matriculation from Samastipur High School in 1943, and then enrolled in Bihar Vidyapeeth, a nationalist university founded by Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1946, and then joined Patna Law College to study law.
However, he could not complete his law degree, as he was arrested for his participation in the Quit India Movement, a mass civil disobedience campaign launched by Gandhi against British rule in 1942.
Political Career
Thakur began his political career as a member of the Socialist Party and later joined the Bharatiya Kranti Dal, Janata Party, and Lok Dal.
Karpoori Thakur served as the Chief Minister of Bihar twice, first from December 1970 to June 1971, and then from June 1977 to April 1979.
Thakur was a champion of social justice and empowerment, and he initiated various policies to uplift the backward sections of society. He is most popularly known for his decision to implement a reservation system.