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Karpoori Village (Bihar), Oct 24 (IANS) The architect of modern India’s aspirations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stepped into the humble abode of Bharat Ratna Jan Nayak (people’s leader) Karpoori Thakur – the socialist icon whose life was a testament to the unwavering fight for the marginalised.
This was no ordinary journey; It was a bridge between the sacrifices of the past and the hopes of the future, a poignant reminder that politics, at its core, is about people, not just elections.
As soon as PM Modi arrived after 11 am on Friday after paying floral tributes at Thakur’s mausoleum, the air of the village buzzed with anticipation.
He was also accompanied by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and a group of NDA leaders. But amidst the security and slogans, it was human warmth that truly defined the hour.
Union minister Ram Nath Thakur, Karpoori’s son and cabinet colleague in the PM Modi-led government, stood at the threshold, his eyes shining with a mix of pride and gratitude.
“By coming to this village, the Prime Minister has not only respected our family but also the soil that nurtured a people’s hero,” Thakur said.
For Ramnath Thakur, a veteran politician who carried his father’s legacy to the corridors of power, the visit felt like confirmation.
“We acknowledge that today he launched his campaign from the birthplace of Karpoori Thakur to strengthen the NDA alliance,” he said, invoking the legacy of social justice that had once pitted Thakur against the upper echelons of the society. Yet, in a subtle attack on the opposition,
Thakur quipped, “People made him a public hero and who made Rahul Gandhi a public hero? No one becomes a public hero just because someone says it. Whoever did this has done wrong.”
The words hanging in the air, a mix of reverence and resolve, underline the NDA’s attempt to reclaim Thakur’s socialist ethos for the backward classes of Bihar. But the real heartbeat of the trip pulsated from the young voices of family – grandchildren, wide-eyed heirs to a vast inheritance.
Ram Nath’s daughter and Karpoori’s granddaughter Amrita Kumari, a bright-eyed woman, found herself sitting opposite the Prime Minister in the modest drawing room, surrounded by faded photographs of Thakur in his trademark white kurta, razor in hand as a symbol of his barber community roots.
With tears in her eyes, Amrita told IANS: “I was very happy that he visited our house… I never thought that a Prime Minister with a great personality could visit Karpoori Gram.”
“I am glad that Prime Minister Modi visited our home. We had earlier met him at his residence in Delhi, and during this visit, he was exactly the same – warm and encouraging. He inspired us by saying that when setbacks come in life, we should not shy away from challenges, but should focus on our goals and work hard to achieve them. He also had tea with us,” said Karpoori Thakur. Grandson Amrit Raj said.
In a conversation that went beyond protocol, PM Modi turned to (Thakur’s) great-granddaughter Manshvi Chandra with the same trademark patience, and listened attentively as she spoke about her dreams.
“I want to become a doctor, I told him,” Manshvi Chandra, great-granddaughter of Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur, told him seriously. “I want to experience what he has done for our India. I want to carry forward the legacy of my family. My elder grandfather (our great grandfather) has done a lot for India and Bihar. Nana ji himself is doing a lot. I also have a strong desire to come to this field and do something.”
He blessed their aspirations and urged them to study with enthusiasm and channel their talents into sports and public service. “The Prime Minister blessed us a lot and inspired us to study further,” Manashvi recalled.
“He inspired us to move forward in sports and political matters. He asked our views regarding the development of Bihar and Samastipur.”
For her, who grew up idolizing her great-grandfather’s fight for OBC reservations and land reforms, it was more than advice – it was a spark.
He said, “The Prime Minister has a lot of patience, he thinks a lot. It is a big thing how much he thinks about our India.” The discussion turned to the dreams of his peers – fellow students contemplating India’s trajectory in politics and society.
“All the discussions we had with him were about what the students studying with us think about India and politics,” Manashvi added. How impressed she was to see that Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked everyone, including his security staff, to take off their shoes before garlanding the portrait of her great grandfather (Karpoori Thakur). This was done to honor Thakur and show respect for his status as a national icon. He shared his words, painting a picture of youthful idealism met with experienced wisdom.
Later, PM Modi emerged to address people in nearby Dudhpura, where thousands had gathered, many of whom were from the Extremely Backward Class (EBC), which Thakur supported. He incorporated Thakur’s principles into his vision for Bihar – from ending “Jungle Raj” to empowering farmers. Nevertheless, the journey remains a personal milestone in the Thakur family.
For Ram Nath, it was a son’s increased tribute; For Amrita, a call to action for a granddaughter and a new ray of hope for Manasvi to pursue her dreams. In Karpuri village, where poverty once gave birth to a revolutionary, today PM Modi’s steps sowed the seeds of continuity.
–IANS
SKTR/PGH