Karpoori Thakur, Politician, Social Justice Leader
Politician, Social Justice Leader

Karpoori Thakur

Born 24 January 1924 · Bihar — Died 18 February 1988

Implemented the Bihar Reservation Policy for backward classes in 1978.

Karpoori Thakur was an Indian politician who twice served as the 11th Chief Minister of Bihar, first from December 1970 to June 1971, and then from June 1977 to April 1979. He was popularly known as Jan Nayak. On 26 January 2024, he was posthumously awarded India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, by the Government of India. This was announced by the President of India Draupadi Murmu on 23 January 2024.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Karpoori Thakur’s son Ramnath Thakur accepted his Bharat Ratna award from President Droupadi Murmu on 30 March 2024, nearly 36 years after Karpoori’s death.

The Story

1
In 1942, Karpoori Thakur left college and spent 26 months in jail for participating in the Quit India Movement, marking his early plunge into India's freedom struggle.
2
🌟 In December 1970, he became Bihar’s Chief Minister as the first non-Congress socialist leader, initiating policies like total prohibition of alcohol and removing English as a compulsory matriculation subject.
3In 1970, he undertook a 28-day fast demanding rights for Telco labourers, showcasing his commitment to workers during peak industrial unrest.
4As Education Minister, his decision to drop compulsory English in Bihar’s schools led to long-term debates about educational quality and language policy.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Bharat Ratna

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Karpoori Thakur spent 26 months imprisoned as a student activist during the Quit India Movement, a formative experience that shaped his socialist ideology.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Born in Pitaunjhia village, Samastipur
Karpoori Thakur was born into the Nai community in Bihar's Samastipur district, known now as Karpoori Gram.
1924
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Career
Imprisoned during Quit India Movement
Left college to join the movement, spending 26 months in jail for anti-British activities.
1942
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Career
Elected to Bihar Vidhan Sabha
Won from Tajpur constituency as Socialist Party candidate, beginning his legislative career.
1952
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Career
Became Chief Minister of Bihar (1st term)
Assumed office as the first non-Congress socialist CM, implementing prohibition and education reforms.
1970
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Career
28-day fast for Telco laborers' rights
Undertook a hunger strike demanding better conditions for industrial workers at Telco in Bihar.
1970
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Career
Became Chief Minister of Bihar (2nd term)
Returned as CM after Janata Party's electoral victory, serving until April 1979.
1977
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Death
Death of Karpoori Thakur
Passed away, leaving behind a legacy of social justice and backward class empowerment in Bihar.
1988
🏅
Award
Posthumous Bharat Ratna Award
Awarded India’s highest civilian honor by President Droupadi Murmu, recognizing his social justice legacy.
2024
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

In 1970, Thakur undertook a 28-day fast demanding labour rights for Telco workers, highlighting his activist approach within government roles.

02 / 04
💡SURPRISING

As Education Minister, Thakur removed English as a compulsory matriculation subject in Bihar, a decision that sparked long-term controversy over educational standards.

03 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Despite coming from the Nai community, an Extremely Backward Class, Thakur rose to become Bihar's Chief Minister twice and a key socialist leader.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
The Great Politician From Bihar | Karpoori Thakur | Shakhsiyat By Virad Dubey | StudyIQ IAS Hindi
More from this archive
The Great Politician From Bihar | Karpoori Thakur | Shakhsiyat By Virad Dubey | StudyIQ IAS Hindi
01
The Great Politician From Bihar | Karpoori Thakur | Shakhsiyat By Virad Dubey | StudyIQ IAS Hindi
Bharat Ratna Award 2024 | Karpoori Thakur | भारत रत्न | Guru's Ashram IAS | #bharatratnaaward #upsc
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Bharat Ratna Award 2024 | Karpoori Thakur | भारत रत्न | Guru's Ashram IAS | #bharatratnaaward #upsc

🌱 What changed because of them

Karpoori Thakur’s introduction of backward caste reservations in Bihar laid groundwork that altered electoral politics and social dynamics in the state forever. His prohibition policy and removal of English from the matriculation curriculum sparked enduring debates on governance and education. Institutions and colleges named after him continue to serve backward regions, embedding his vision of social justice into Bihar’s educational landscape.

💬 Social Buzz

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💭 Memories & Tributes

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