India's Highest Honor for Bihar's Late Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur

Patna, India - Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday expressed his heartfelt happiness over the announcement by the central government to confer the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, to the late Karpoori Thakur, a great socialist leader and former Bihar chief minister.

"This is a very welcome decision by the government," Nitish Kumar said. "Karpoori Thakur was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the cause of social justice and equality. He was a true champion of the poor and marginalized, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come."

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that Thakur's selection for the Bharat Ratna is particularly significant as it comes on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary. "This honor will further strengthen his legacy and will serve as a reminder of his contributions to the nation," he said.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that he has long been a vocal supporter of Thakur's candidacy for the Bharat Ratna. "I am glad that the government has finally recognized his immense contributions to the nation," he said.

"This is a historic decision that will be welcomed by all Biharis," said Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Chief Minister of Bihar. "Thakur ji was a great leader who dedicated his life to the service of the people.

The decision to award Bharat Ratna to Thakur was announced by the Prime Minister's Office on Tuesday. Thakur was born in 1924 in a small village in Bihar. He joined the socialist movement in the early 1950s and quickly rose through the ranks. He served as the chief minister of Bihar from 1969 to 1971 and again from 1977 to 1979.

During his tenure as chief minister, Thakur implemented a number of progressive policies, including the reservation of government jobs for members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He also introduced a number of social welfare programs, such as the Bihar Education Project and the Bihar Rural Development Project.

Thakur died in 1988 at the age of 64. He is widely considered to be one of the most important figures in Bihar's history.

The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian honor, awarded to individuals in recognition of their exceptional service to the nation in any field. The award was first instituted in 1954.