<p>Former Bihar CM and socialist icon Karpoori Thakur has been posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna—India's highest civilian honour.</p><p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his 'delight' at Thakur being conferred with this honour, saying in a <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1749810240030445643">post</a> on X, “This prestigious recognition is a testament to his enduring efforts as a champion for the marginalised and a stalwart of equality and empowerment. His unwavering commitment to uplift the downtrodden and his visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on India's socio-political fabric. This award not only honours his remarkable contributions but also inspires us to continue his mission of creating a more just and equitable society”.</p>.Bihar Governor releases special postal cover on Ram temple in Ayodhya.<p>Here are 10 things to know about the two-time former Bihar chief minister:</p><p>1. Thakur sowed the seeds for government job reservations for backward classes in the late 1970s by deciding to implement the Mungeri Lal Commission recommendations.</p><p>2. Thakur was the Bihar Chief Minister between December 1970 and June 1971 as well as between December 1977 and April 1979. Thakur’s son Ram Nath Thakur is presently a Rajya Sabha MP and General Secretary of Nitish Kumar-led JD(U).</p><p>3. Pitaunjhia, the birthplace of Thakur, was renamed Karpuri gram in his honour.</p><p>4. Thakur was known as Jan Nayak (hero of the people) for his pro-poor approach and dedication to the cause of the downtrodden.</p><p>5. Thakur, who died 35 years ago in 1988 at the age of 64, had entered the world of politics through the independence struggle joining the Quit India agitation.</p><p>6. The Jan Nayak Express train that runs between Bihar's Darbhanga and Amritsar, is named after him.</p><p>7. Thakur was the mentor of some of Bihar's major politicians, including Lalu Prasad Yadav and current chief minister Nitish Kumar.</p><p>8. During his tenure as chief minister, Thakur removed English as a compulsory subject for matriculation examinations.</p><p>9. Never to lose an election, he entered Bihar Assembly as a Socialist Party member in 1952 and went on to become Deputy Chief Minister and the first non-Congress socialist Chief Minister of Bihar.</p><p>10. He played a prominent role in setting the stage for the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations, which advocated reservation for OBCs in the 1990s.</p><p><em>With DHNS inputs</em></p>
<p>Former Bihar CM and socialist icon Karpoori Thakur has been posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna—India's highest civilian honour.</p><p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his 'delight' at Thakur being conferred with this honour, saying in a <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1749810240030445643">post</a> on X, “This prestigious recognition is a testament to his enduring efforts as a champion for the marginalised and a stalwart of equality and empowerment. His unwavering commitment to uplift the downtrodden and his visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on India's socio-political fabric. This award not only honours his remarkable contributions but also inspires us to continue his mission of creating a more just and equitable society”.</p>.Bihar Governor releases special postal cover on Ram temple in Ayodhya.<p>Here are 10 things to know about the two-time former Bihar chief minister:</p><p>1. Thakur sowed the seeds for government job reservations for backward classes in the late 1970s by deciding to implement the Mungeri Lal Commission recommendations.</p><p>2. Thakur was the Bihar Chief Minister between December 1970 and June 1971 as well as between December 1977 and April 1979. Thakur’s son Ram Nath Thakur is presently a Rajya Sabha MP and General Secretary of Nitish Kumar-led JD(U).</p><p>3. Pitaunjhia, the birthplace of Thakur, was renamed Karpuri gram in his honour.</p><p>4. Thakur was known as Jan Nayak (hero of the people) for his pro-poor approach and dedication to the cause of the downtrodden.</p><p>5. Thakur, who died 35 years ago in 1988 at the age of 64, had entered the world of politics through the independence struggle joining the Quit India agitation.</p><p>6. The Jan Nayak Express train that runs between Bihar's Darbhanga and Amritsar, is named after him.</p><p>7. Thakur was the mentor of some of Bihar's major politicians, including Lalu Prasad Yadav and current chief minister Nitish Kumar.</p><p>8. During his tenure as chief minister, Thakur removed English as a compulsory subject for matriculation examinations.</p><p>9. Never to lose an election, he entered Bihar Assembly as a Socialist Party member in 1952 and went on to become Deputy Chief Minister and the first non-Congress socialist Chief Minister of Bihar.</p><p>10. He played a prominent role in setting the stage for the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations, which advocated reservation for OBCs in the 1990s.</p><p><em>With DHNS inputs</em></p>