Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated
the decision to honour Bihar’s former Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur with the
prestigious Bharat Ratna, a day before his birth anniversary. Expressing his
delight, PM Modi acknowledged Thakur as a beacon of social justice, emphasizing
the significance of conferring the award during the leader’s birth centenary
celebrations.
The PM posted on X, “I am delighted the Indian
Government has decided to confer the Bharat Ratna on the beacon of social
justice, the great Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji and that too at a time when we are
marking his birth centenary.”
To mark his birth centenary, PM Modi has
written a tribute article on the veteran political leader.
Today is 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. I never had 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 one of the most backward sections
of society, the Nai Samaj. Overcoming numerous obstacles, he achieved a lot and
worked for societal betterment.
Jan Nayak Kapoor Thakur Ji’s life
revolved around the twin pillars of simplicity and social justice. Till his
last breath, his simple lifestyle and humble nature resonated deeply with the
common people. There are numerous anecdotes that highlight his simplicity.
Those who worked with him recall how he preferred to spend his own money for
any personal matter including his daughter’s wedding.
During his tenure as Chief Minister of
Bihar, a decision was taken to build a colony for political leaders but he
himself did not take any land or money for the same. When he passed away in
1988, several leaders went to his village to pay tributes. When they saw the
condition of his house, they were moved to tears – how can someone so towering
have a house so simple!
Another anecdote of his simplicity dates
back to 1977 when he just took over as CM of Bihar. The Janata Government was
in power in Delhi and Patna. That time, Janata leaders had gathered in Patna to
mark Loknayak JP’s birthday.
Among the galaxy of top leaders walked
in Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur Ji, with a torn Kurta. In his own style,
Chandrashekhar Ji asked people to donate some money so that Karpoori Ji could
purchase a new Kurta. But, Karpoori Ji was Karpoori Ji- he accepted the money
but donated it to the CM Relief Fund.
Social justice was most dear to Jan
Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji. His political journey was marked by monumental efforts
to create a society where resources were distributed fairly, and everyone,
regardless of their social standing, had access to opportunities. He wanted to
address the systemic inequalities that plagued Indian society.
Such was his commitment to his ideals
that despite living in an era where the Congress Party was omnipresent, he took
a distinctly anti-Congress line because he was convinced very early on that the
Congress had deviated from its founding principles.
His electoral career began in the early
1950s and since then, he became a force to reckon with in the legislative
chambers, powerfully voicing the struggles of the working class, labourers,
small farmers and youngsters. Education was a subject very close to his heart.
Throughout his political career he
worked to improve education facilities for the poor. He was a proponent of
education in local languages so that people from small towns and villages can
climb the ladder and attain success. As CM, he took many measures for the
welfare of senior citizens as well.
Democracy, debate and discussion were
integral to Karpoori Ji’s personality. This spirit was seen when he immersed
himself in the Quit India movement as a youngster and it was again seen when he
resisted the Emergency tooth and nail. His unique perspectives were great
admired by the likes of JP, Dr Lohia and Charan Singh Ji.
Perhaps one of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur
Ji’s most significant contributions to Bharat was his role in strengthening the
affirmative action apparatus for the backward classes, with the hope that they
were given the representation and opportunities they deserved. His decision was
met with heavy opposition but he did not bow to any pressure.
Under his leadership, policies were
implemented that laid the groundwork for a more inclusive society, where one’s
birth did not determine one’s fate. He belonged to the most backward strata of
society but he worked for all the people. He had no trace of bitterness in him,
which is what makes him truly great.
Over the last ten years, our Government
has walked on the path of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji, reflecting in our schemes
and policies that have brought transformative empowerment. One of the biggest
tragedies of our polity has been that barring a few leaders like Karpoori Ji,
the call for social justice was restricted to being a political slogan.
Inspired by Karpoori 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 Bharat’s feat
of freeing 25 crore people from the clutches of poverty in the last few years. These
are people from the most backward sections of society, who were denied basic
facilities nearly seven decades after freedom from colonial rule.
At the same time, our efforts towards
saturation – of ensuring every scheme reaches 100 per cent coverage echoes his
commitment to social welfare. Today, when people from OBC, SC and ST
Communities are becoming entrepreneurs due to MUDRA Loans, it fulfills Karpoori
Thakur Ji’s vision of economic independence.
Likewise, it was our government which
had the privilege of extending SC, ST and OBC reservation. We also had the
honour of setting up the OBC Commission (which was opposed by Congress, sadly),
which is working on the path shown by Karpoori Ji. Our PM-Vishwakarma Scheme
will also bring new avenues of prosperity for crores of people belonging to OBC
communities across Bharat.
As a person belonging to the backward
classes myself, I have much to thank Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji for.
Unfortunately, we lost Karpoori Ji at a relatively young age of 64. We lost him
when we needed him the most. Yet, he lives on in the heart and minds of crores
of people due to his work. He was a true Jan Nayak!
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of Bharat
