Posted 1/23/2024, 2:35:55 PM
Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur, Former Bihar CM and Social Justice Icon
- Karpoori Thakur, former Bihar CM, to be awarded Bharat Ratna posthumously ahead of his 100th birth anniversary
- Known for uplifting backward classes through implementing OBC reservation in Bihar during his 1977-1979 tenure
- Struggled for India's freedom; jailed during Quit India Movement but kept fighting for independence
- Strong advocate for rights of marginalized groups like SCs, STs, OBCs; committed to social justice
- PM Modi hails the award as recognizing Thakur's "enduring efforts as a champion for marginalized and a stalwart of equality"