The accolade is all the more remarkable for having been announced the night before the centennial of his birth, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a warm homage to the leader of the backward caste in a special article.
People’s lives have been improved by Thakur’s unwavering pursuit of social justice, according to the PM’s letter. Adopted as the “hero of the masses,” Thakur gained notoriety in 1967 when he was appointed Education Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar’s inaugural non-Congress administration.
Source: The Hindu
By eliminating English as a required subject in schools, he implemented a significant reform. Thakur’s revolutionary action was intended to assist the vast majority of pupils who did not speak fluent English, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Rising from the lowly Nai Samaj (barber community), Thakur became the Chief Minister twice during the 1970s, albeit he never held the position for the entire five years. His judgments that favoured the people and his impeccable governance left a lasting impression, even though his terms were brief.
Source: India Today
According to the Mungeri Lal Commission’s recommendations, reservations for members of the lower classes were implemented during his administration (1977–78). Despite widespread demonstrations against the OBC quota in Bihar, Thakur remained unwavering in his bravery.
He received the highest civilian accolade in the nation over 36 years after his passing. The Bharat Ratna is frequently awarded posthumously, and even then, decades after the recipient’s passing. It is pure politics for the opposition to criticise the government for honouring Thakur during an election year, probably in an attempt to win over OBC voters. It is believed that there will be a struggle for the socialist leader’s legacy. All political parties, regardless of how different their philosophies are, should draw inspiration from Thakur’s lifetime fight against social injustice and discrimination.
What do you think about this? Comment below.
