As a recognition of a remarkable leader, the government of India stepped forward to announce it is bestowing its highest civilian awards that is the Bharat Ratna Award on the late Shri Kapoori Thakur Ji, a stalwart of social justice and an inspiring figure in Indian politics.
Said that this prestigious award is a tribute to Shri Kapoori Thakur’s full dedication towards the upliftment of the underprivileged sections of the society. This award also honors his relentless fight for social justice. Informing that Kapoori Thakur was also known as ‘Jan Nayak’ (People’s leader).
Announcing the award, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shared this news on Twitter (X), “I am delighted that the Government of India 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. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his enduring efforts as a champion for the marginalized and a stalwart of equality and empowerment.
He added saying, “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.”
Who Was Kapoori Thakur?
A man known as People’s leader, (Jan Nayak) was born in Bihar’s Samastipur in 1924. He was a remarkable leader whose political journey was marked by his dedication. He served two terms as the 11th Chief Minister of Bihar from December 1970 to June 1971 and then followed by June 1977 to April 1979 in Bharatiya Kranti Dal party.
He played a key role in eradicating social discrimination and inequality in the society. His commitment to affirmative action gave representation and opportunities to the poor, oppressed, exploited and deprived sections of the country. His policies and reforms were pioneering in bringing about significant changes in the lives of many, especially in the fields of education, employment and farmer welfare.
Honoring Shri Thakur, the government recognizes his vital role that his struggle played as a symbol of democracy and social justice. The government also acknowledges his deep impact as a motivating figure for the marginalised sections of society. His life and work embody the spirit of the Indian Constitution, which advocates for equality, fraternity, and justice for all.
Inspiration For The Future Generation
This award is not only a recognition of Shri Thakur’s past experience but also serves a form of inspiration for the future generations. It is a reminder of the values that Shri Thakur stood for – simplicity, inclusiveness, and the tireless pursuit of social justice.
48 Others Receive Bharat Ratna:
12. Zakir Husain (Independence activist)- 1963
13. Pandurang Vaman Kane (Indologist and Sanskrit scholar) -1963
14. Lal Bahadur Shastri (Posthumous) (Independence activist and former Prime Minister of India) – 1966
15. Indira Gandhi (politician and former Prime Minister of India) -1971
16. Varahagiri Venkata Giri (Independence activist and former Prseident of India) -1975
17. Kumaraswamy Kamraj (Posthumous) (politician and former Tamil Nadu chief minister) 1976
18. Mother Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu (Mother Teresa) (founder of the Missionaries of Charity) – 1980
19. Vinoba Bhave (Posthumous) (Independence activist, social reformer) -1983
20. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Independence activist) -1987
21. Marudur Gopalan Ramachandran (Posthumous) (actor turned politician) -1988
22. Bhim Rao Ramji Ambedkar (Posthumous) (Social reformer) -1990
23. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (anti-apartheid activist) – 1990
24. Rajiv Gandhi (Posthumous) (politician and former Prime Minister of India) -1991
25. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (Posthumous) (Independence activist) – 1991
26. Morarji Ranchhodji Desai (Independence activist and Prime Minister of India) – 1991
27. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (Posthumous) (Independence activist) -1992
28. Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhai Tata (Industrialist) – 1992
29. Satyajit Ray (Filmmaker) – 1992
30. Gulzari Lal Nanda (Independence activist) – 1997
31. Aruna Asaf Ali (Posthumous) (Independence activist) – 1997
32. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Aerospace, defence scientist and former President of India) -1997
33. Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi (Carnatic classical vocalist) -1998
34. Chidambaram Subramaniam (Independence activist) – 1998
35. Jayaprakash Narayan (Posthumous) (Independence activist, social reformer) – 1999
36. Amartya Sen (economist) – 1999
37. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi (Posthumous) (Independence activist) – 1999
38. Ravi Shankar (sitar player) – 1999
39. Lata Dinanath Mangeshkar (playback singer) – 2001
40. Ustad Bismillah Khan (Hindustani classical shehnai player) – 2001
41. Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi (Hindustani classical vocalist) – 2009
42. C. N. R. Rao (chemist and professor) – 2014
43. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar (cricketer) – 2014
44. Atal Bihari Vajpayee (politician and former Prime Minister of India) 2015
45. Madan Mohan Malaviya (Posthumous) (Scholar and educational reformer) – 2015
46. Nanaji Deshmukh (Posthumous) (social activist) – 2019
47. Bhupendra Kumar Hazarika (Posthumous) (playback singer, lyricist, musician, poet, and film-maker) – 2019
48. Pranab Mukherjee (politician and former President of India) 2019
49. Karpoori Thakur (Posthumous) (politician and former Bihar chief minister) – 2024