Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur’s relentless pursuit of social justice created a positive impact. The PM said so in his column written on the occasion of Thakur’s birth centenary.
Sharing his column, the PM posted on X, “I bow to Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji on his birth centenary. On this special occasion, our Government has had the honour of conferring the Bharat Ratna on him. I’ve penned a few thoughts on his unparalleled impact on our society and polity.”
“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… 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,” Modi wrote, adding that “Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur ji’s life revolved around the twin pillars of simplicity and social justice.”
“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,” the PM added.
“Perhaps one of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur ji’s most significant contributions to India 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,” PM Modi said, adding, “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.”
“Inspired by Karpoori ji’s vision, we implemented it [social justice] as an effective governance model,” he further said.
“Today, when people from OBC, SC and ST communities are becoming entrepreneurs due to MUDRA loans, it fulfils Karpoori Thakur ji’s vision of economic independence. Likewise, it was our government that had the privilege of extending SC, ST and OBC reservations. 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 millions of people belonging to OBC communities across India,” the PM further wrote.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Centre announced Thakur will be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
