PM Modi meets family of Bharatnatyam awardee 'Jan Nayak' Karpoori Thakur, hails 'messiah of backwardness'

Last updated: February 12, 2024 17:30 US Standard Time

Days after announcing Bharat Ratna as late former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur, his family met Prime Minister Narendra on Monday Narendra Modi.

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PM Modi posted on and savior of the poor, whose life and ideals will continue to inspire our countrymen.”

Referencesं से मिलकर बहुत खुशी हुई। कर्पूरी जी समज के पिछ ड़े और वंचित वर्गों के मसीहरह े हैं, जिनकर जीवन औ र आदर्श देशवरसियों को निरंतर प्रेरित करतरहेगर। pic.twitter.com/Ihp7B08LXu— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2024

Thakur, popularly known as Jan Nayak, served as chief minister from December 1970 to June 1971 and from December 1977 to April 1979. He died on February 17, 1988.

The government said, “This award is not only a recognition of Thakur’s past achievements but also an inspiration to future generations. It is a reminder of the values that Shri Thakur stood for – simplicity, tolerance and the relentless pursuit of social justice”.

“I am delighted that the Government of India has decided to confer the Bharat Ratna Medal on the great Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji, a beacon of social justice, and we It also comes on the occasion of his birth centenary. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his enduring efforts as a champion of the marginalized and a staunch supporter of equality and empowerment,” Prime Minister Modi said in his announcement. “His unwavering commitment to the upliftment of the downtrodden and his visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on the socio-political fabric of India,” a post after the news said. imprint. This award not only recognizes his outstanding contributions but also inspires us to continue his mission to create a more just and equitable society. “

Thakur’s tenure as chief minister of Bihar in the 1970s proved to be groundbreaking, especially for the poorer sections of society. He proposed the “Kapuri Thakur formula” for reservation, which aimed at ensuring fair representation of backward classes in government services.

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In November 1978, Thakur implemented 26% reservation for backward classes in Bihar, a move that laid the foundation for the Mandal Commission recommendations in the 1990s. This policy not only empowered the backward classes but also contributed to the rise of regional parties, changing the political face of the Hindi heartland.