Today is the birth centenary of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur ji, whose tireless efforts for social justice had a positive impact on the lives of crores of people. I never got the opportunity to meet Karpoori ji, but I heard a lot about him from Kailashpati Mishra ji who worked closely with him. He belonged to the barber community, one of the most backward sections of the society. Overcoming many obstacles, he achieved a lot and worked for social reform.
The life of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur ji revolved around the two pillars of simplicity and social justice. Till his last breath, his simple lifestyle and humble nature remained deeply connected with the common people. There are many such stories which highlight his simplicity. People who worked with him recall how he loved to spend his money on any personal matter, including his daughter’s wedding. During his tenure as Chief Minister of Bihar, it was decided to build a colony for political leaders, but he himself did not take any land or money for it. When he died in 1988, many leaders went to his village to pay tribute. When he saw the condition of his house, he had tears in his eyes – how could a person of such high standing have such a simple house!
Another story of his simplicity is from 1977 when he had just assumed the post of CM of Bihar. The Janata government was in power in Delhi and Patna. At that time, public leaders were gathered in Patna on the occasion of Loknayak JP’s birthday. In the group of top leaders, Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur ji was walking with a torn kurta. Chandrashekhar ji, in his own style, asked people to donate some money so that Karpoori ji could buy a new kurta. But, Karpoori ji being Karpoori ji – he accepted the money but donated it to the CM relief fund.
Social justice was most dear to Jananayak Karpoori Thakur ji. His political journey was marked by great efforts to build a society where resources were fairly distributed, and everyone, regardless of their social status, had access to opportunities. He wanted to address the systemic inequalities plaguing Indian society.
His commitment to his ideals was such that despite living in an era where the Congress Party was omnipresent, he adopted a clearly anti-Congress line because he had long ago been convinced that the Congress had deviated from its founding principles.
His electoral career began in the early 1950s and since then, he became a force in the legislative houses, powerfully giving voice to the struggles of the working class, labourers, small farmers and youth. Education was a matter very close to his heart. Throughout his political career, he worked to improve education facilities for the poor. He was a supporter of education in local languages so that people from small towns and villages could also climb the ladder and achieve success. While being CM, he also took many steps for the welfare of senior citizens.
Democracy, debate and discussion were an integral part of Karpuri ji’s personality. This sentiment was seen when he involved himself in the Quit India Movement as a youth and was seen again when he strongly opposed the Emergency. His unique approach was greatly appreciated by people like JP, Dr. Lohia and Charan Singh ji.
Perhaps one of the most important contributions of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji to India was his role in strengthening the affirmative action mechanism for the backward classes, with the hope that they were given the representation and opportunities they deserved. There was strong opposition to his decision but he did not succumb to any pressure.
Under his leadership, policies were implemented that laid the foundation for a more inclusive society, where one’s birth does not determine one’s destiny. He belonged to the most backward section of the society but he worked for all the people. There was no trace of bitterness in him, which makes him truly great.
Over the last ten years, our government has followed the path of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji, which is reflected in our plans and policies that have brought about transformational empowerment. One of the biggest tragedies of our politics has been that, except for a few leaders like Karpoori ji, the call for social justice was limited to becoming a political slogan. Inspired by Karpuri ji’s vision, we implemented it as an effective governance model. I can say with confidence and pride that Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur ji would have been very proud of the achievement of freeing 25 crore people of India from the clutches of poverty in the last few years. These are people from the most backward section of the society, who were deprived of basic facilities even after almost seven decades of independence from colonial rule. Also, our efforts to take each scheme to 100% coverage reflect their commitment towards social welfare.
Today, when people from OBC, SC and ST communities are becoming entrepreneurs due to Mudra loan, it fulfills the vision of economic freedom of Karpoori Thakur ji. Similarly, it was our government that had the privilege of increasing SC, ST and OBC reservations. We also had the honor of setting up the OBC Commission (sadly, Congress had opposed it), which is working on the path shown by Karpoori ji. Our PM-Vishwakarma scheme will also bring new paths to prosperity for crores of people from OBC communities across India.
As a person coming from a backward class, I thank Jannayak Karpoori Thakur ji very much. Unfortunately, we lost Karpoori ji at the relatively young age of 64. We lost them when we needed them most. Still, because of his work he remains in the hearts and minds of crores of people. He was a true people’s hero!
Follow us on Google news ,Twitter , and Join Whatsapp Group of thelocalreport.in
