Remembering Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur: A centenary tribute to a champion of social justice
Nai Samaj, one of society's most backward segments, he overcame numerous challenges to achieve great things and work for societal betterment. Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji's life was a testament to the principles of simplicity and social justice. Until his last breath, his modest lifestyle and humility deeply resonated with the common people.
Many anecdotes attest to his simplicity. Those who worked with him remember his preference to spend his own money on personal matters, including his daughter's wedding. As the chief minister of Bihar, he refrained from taking land or money for himself when a colony was being built for political leaders.
His modest dwelling at his village moved several leaders to tears when they visited to pay tribute after his passing in 1988. Another instance of his simplicity dates back to 1977, just after he became the chief minister of Bihar. The Janata government was in power in Delhi and Patna.
That time, Janata leaders had gathered in Patna to mark Loknayak JP’s birthday. Among the galaxy of top leaders walked in chief minister Karpoori Thakur Ji, with a torn kurta. In his own style, Chandrashekhar Ji asked people to donate some money so that Karpoori Ji could purchase a new kurta.
But, Karpoori Ji was Karpoori Ji - he accepted the money but donated it to the CM Relief Fund. Social justice was a cornerstone in Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji's life. He tirelessly worked to establish a society where resources were equitably distributed and opportunities accessible to all, regardless of social standing.
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