New Delhi: A day prior to his birth anniversary, Karpoori Thakur was honored with the nation’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed sincere homage to the late two-time Bihar chief minister, Karpoori Thakur, as the nation celebrated his 100th birth anniversary. PM Modi recognized Thakur’s noteworthy efforts in advancing social justice and his steadfast dedication to the well-being of the people.

On Tuesday, Karpoori Thakur was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honor in India.

Prime Minister Modi, in a reflective blog post, delved into the enduring legacy of Thakur, a leader who pioneered the fair distribution of reservation benefits and implemented job quotas for other backward classes (OBCs) a decade before any national initiative in that direction.

“Today marks the birth centenary of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji, whose unwavering commitment to social justice has left a lasting impact on the lives of millions,” Prime Minister Modi expressed.

He underscored Thakur’s humble origins and resilience in overcoming numerous challenges to contribute to societal improvement.

The prime minister shared anecdotes illustrating Karpoori Thakur’s simplicity, citing instances where he personally financed matters, such as his daughter’s wedding, showcasing a profound commitment to his values.

“During his tenure as Chief Minister of Bihar, a decision was made to establish a residential colony for political leaders. Remarkably, he abstained from claiming any land or funds for himself. In 1988, upon his demise, leaders paying respects to him in his village were moved to tears upon witnessing the humble condition of his residence—how could such a towering figure have a home so unassuming!” recounted PM Modi.

PM Modi also recalled a poignant incident from 1977 when, as the CM of Bihar, Karpoori Thakur attended an event wearing a torn kurta. Despite receiving donations for a new one, Thakur selflessly contributed the funds to the CM Relief Fund, highlighting his altruistic nature.

“His political journey was characterized by monumental efforts to forge a society where resources were equitably distributed, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their social standing, had access to opportunities,” emphasized PM Modi, underscoring Thakur’s dedication to addressing systemic inequalities.

“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,” PM Modi emphasized.