The family members of former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur expressed their joy and gratitude as their late father, grandfather and great grandfather was honored with the prestigious Bharat Ratna award, the country's highest civilian award. They thanked Prime Minister Modi for bestowing this recognition upon Thakur, who was known for his contributions to Indian politics and society. The award will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, in the presence of the Thakur family and other dignitaries.
Introduction: On Saturday, August 13, 2023, the late Karpoori Thakur, a renowned Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Bihar, was posthumously awarded the prestigious Bharat Ratna, the nation's highest civilian honor. This recognition is a testament to his significant contributions to Indian politics and society, particularly in the areas of social justice and political integrity.
Background: Karpoori Thakur, born in 1924, emerged as a prominent figure in Indian politics during the post-Independence era. Known for his humble beginnings and unwavering commitment to the upliftment of the marginalized, Thakur became a symbol of hope for the oppressed and downtrodden.
He served as the Chief Minister of Bihar from 1977 to 1979 and again from 1989 to 1990. During his tenure, he introduced several pioneering social welfare programs, including the revolutionary land reforms that aimed to redistribute excess land from feudal landlords to landless farmers. These initiatives earned him the title of "Land ka Lal" (Son of the Soil).
Bharat Ratna Award: The Bharat Ratna award is the highest civilian decoration conferred by the Government of India. It is presented to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the fields of art, literature, science, and public service. Thakur's selection for this prestigious award is a recognition of his lifelong dedication to social empowerment and political righteousness.
Legacy and Impact: Karpoori Thakur's legacy continues to inspire political leaders and social activists alike. His emphasis on social justice and ethical governance has left an enduring mark on Indian politics. His humanitarian efforts and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people continue to be a source of inspiration for generations to come.
Top 5 FAQs:
Q1. Why was Karpoori Thakur awarded the Bharat Ratna? A1. Thakur was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his significant contributions to Indian politics and society, particularly in the areas of social justice and political integrity.
Q2. What were some of his key achievements as Chief Minister of Bihar? A2. Thakur introduced revolutionary land reforms, increased minimum wages for agricultural laborers, and implemented various social welfare programs.
Q3. What is the significance of the Bharat Ratna award? A3. The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Government of India and is presented to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation.
Q4. How will the Bharat Ratna be presented? A4. The Bharat Ratna will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, August 13, 2023, in the presence of the Thakur family and other dignitaries.
Q5. What is Karpoori Thakur's legacy? A5. Thakur's legacy is characterized by his commitment to social justice, ethical governance, and the upliftment of the marginalized. His humanitarian efforts and unwavering principles continue to inspire political leaders and activists.
Peru and Chile are fighting for a crucial win in their World Cup qualification campaign as they sit at the bottom of the table. Paraguay's upset over Argentina has added more pressure for these two sides to secure points. While Australian and Colombian fans can watch for free on SBS on Demand and Caracol Play, respectively, those traveling abroad can still access the game through a VPN.
A horrific crash in Dehradun left six students dead and one critically injured. The accident, which occurred on November 12, was caused by drunk driving and the video of its aftermath was widely shared on social media before being taken down by X for violating its content-sharing policies. The driver of the car, now identified as Siddhesh Agrawal, was allegedly racing with a BMW when the accident happened. Chauhan, the user who shared the video, later apologised for not adding a trigger warning or blurring sensitive parts.
In 1996, prompted by the United Nations Year for Tolerance, the General Assembly declared November 16th as the International Day for Tolerance. This decision was made in order to promote tolerance and understanding among nations and individuals, with a special focus on educational institutions and the general public. The declaration was influenced by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) member States' adoption of the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance and Follow-up Plan of Action in 1995.
Congress leader Pawan Khera expressed sadness over the death of several infants in a massive fire at Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh. The fire, which broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), claimed the lives of at least 10 infants. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the incident and directed the district administration to expedite relief efforts.
A devastating fire broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Uttar Pradesh, leading to the death of ten newborn babies. Dozens of children were rescued, but the fire caused a stampede-like situation at the hospital. The cause of the fire is suspected to be a short circuit in the inner unit of the NICU. A two-member inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the incident and submit a report to the Chief Minister.
The president of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, has expressed his government's willingness to work with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to resolve any concerns about their nuclear program. This comes as IAEA chief Rafael Grossi visits Tehran, amidst concerns about escalating tensions in the region, including the recent Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. Grossi stressed the importance of achieving results in the ongoing nuclear talks in order to prevent further conflict and avoid any potential attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities.
More than 20,000 people were killed and half a million were left homeless after a powerful earthquake hit the Indian state of Gujarat in 2002. Among the affected were 150 Hindu families in the remote village of Mavnugam, whose homes were destroyed. Almost two years later, thanks to a church-led effort, the villagers now have a new village with earthquake-proof homes, a school, health center, and other amenities. This project was made possible by funds raised by international partner churches and was inaugurated on a special day for the Church of North India.
Despite making an impressive aerobatic display at the Airshow China 2024, the Su-57 fighter jet faced global ridicule and embarrassment due to its questionable build quality and stealth capabilities. Social media users pointed out far from hi-tech bolts and filler between panels, rendering the plane detectable to radars and negating its stealth abilities. This further adds to the long and troubled history of the prized Russian aircraft.
Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last 18 years of his life in Nankana Sahib, Pakistan. This gurdwara, built at the site of Guru Nanak's childhood home, serves as a reminder of his teachings and travels. It features a rock with his hand imprint, his final resting place, and the original robe gifted to him by a Muslim devotee. Other gurdwaras in the region commemorate important events in Guru Nanak's life, such as his enlightenment, acts of charity, and miraculous spring.
This November 15, 2024, Friday, Sikhs all over the world will commemorate Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 555th birth anniversary, also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti. It is a day to honor the founder of Sikhism and his teachings of unity, equality, and humanity. It is celebrated with morning processions, recitation of the holy book, and reflecting on Guru Nanak Dev Ji's spiritual journey. This year, the special anniversary falls on a Friday, making it an even more auspicious occasion.