PM Modi congratulates Karpoori Thakur's son Ramnath Thakur for Bharat Ratna

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke to Ramnath Thakur, son of late Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, and congratulated him on his father's posthumous Bharat Ratna award.

"I am delighted that the Government of India has decided to award the Bharat Ratna to the great Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur, a symbol of social justice, and that too at a time when we are celebrating his birth centenary," Modi said in a tweet. "This prestigious award is a testament to his lifelong efforts as a champion of the marginalized and a supporter of equality and empowerment."

In a phone call, Modi told Ramnath Thakur that the award was a recognition of his father's contributions to Bihar and India. He also invited the Thakur family to visit his residence in Delhi.

Ramnath Thakur thanked Modi for the call and said that it was a "historic moment" for the people of Bihar. He said that the award was a fitting tribute to his father's legacy.

"This is the fruit of 36 years of struggle," Ramnath Thakur said after the phone call. "I thank the Modi government on behalf of my family and the 15 crore people of Bihar."

Karpoori Thakur, who was popularly known as Jan Nayak, or People's Leader, was born in 1924 in Bhojpur district of Bihar. He was a socialist leader and served as the Chief Minister of Bihar twice, from 1970 to 1971 and from 1977 to 1979. He was also known for his progressive policies, including the abolition of the zamindari system and the introduction of the prohibition of alcohol.

He was also known for his pro-poor policies, including the introduction of the "Mero Rozgar Mera Dhan" scheme, which provided employment and land to landless laborers.

The Bharat Ratna is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the fields of art, literature, science, public affairs, or any other field of human endeavor. It is the highest civilian award in India.

Thakur died in 1988 at the age of 64. His Bharat Ratna award is the highest civilian award in India.He is also considered one of the most important figures in Bihar's political history.