The central government has announced Bharat Ratna for late Bihar leader Karpoori Thakur in his birth centenary year. Known as ‘Jannayak’ or people’s leader, Thakur was CM twice and pioneered social justice policies despite hailing from a marginalized caste himself. Major parties in Bihar have long backed conferring India’s highest civilian honor on the state icon.
Backward caste leader
Thakur (1924-1988) emerged as Bihar’s tallest backward caste leader despite being from the nai (barber) community. He paved the way for the rise of other influential OBC politicians who eventually overtook his mantle. Though his tenures were short, Thakur left an outstanding legacy through his progressive decisions.
Participation in freedom struggle
A staunch nationalist, Thakur had participated in India’s independence movement and courted imprisonment. Post-1947, he enjoyed a long stint as MLA barring one term and served as education minister before becoming chief minister twice in the 1970s.
Pioneering social justice policies
As CM, Thakur revolutionized caste-based reservations in Bihar by expanding quotas for backwards castes from 12% to 20%. This ‘Karpoori formula’ of January 1977 even had specific 8% quota for extremely marginalized groups, preceding the central government’s EWS reservation by decades.
Lasting impact
By championing multilayered affirmative action, Thakur gave the most disadvantaged greater representation in education and jobs. Though it cost him power at the time due to upper caste resentment, the formula drove social progress with far-reaching consequences. It influenced reservation policies nationally.
Clean and principled
Despite his immense influence, Thakur lived an austere life rooted in Gandhian values focused on dignity and self-reliance for the marginalized. Through integrity and selflessness in public service rather than pursuing personal wealth, he carved a distinguished legacy.
Enduring political legacy
Karpoori Thakur’s pro-poor governance philosophy aligns with the politics of social justice championed by contemporary regional parties in Bihar descended from his socialist roots. His policy template has stood the test of time even as a new generation of leaders dominate the state’s politics now.
Inspiration for the marginalized
As caste census demands and reservations dominate discourse again, Karpoori Thakur’s life symbolizes empowerment hopes for India’s vast disadvantaged sections through dignified livelihoods and equitable representation. Conferring the Bharat Ratna honors his pioneering social justice legacy.
