‘Greatest news of our life’: Karpoori Thakur kin celebrate, thank PM for honour

Overwhelming emotions took over socialist icon Karpoori Thakur‘s family members — at his paternal village Pitaunjhia, known as Karpoori Gram, and a government flat in Patna. The former CM’s elder son and JDU Rajya Sabha MP Ramnath Thakur celebrated the “greatest news of his life” at his paternal village with his family and fellow villagers. Thakur’s younger son Dr Birendra Kumar Thakur celebrated with his family at a government flat in Patna. Both sons thanked PM Narendra Modi and the Central government for “bestowing the highest civilian award to the son of soil”.

Talking to The Indian Express, Ramnath Thakur said: “Getting the news of my father being conferred with Bharat Ratna on the eve of his 100th birth anniversary is the biggest news of my life. Saying that we are overwhelmed could be an understatement. It is a huge honour for all the poor and deprived and all those for whom my father worked all his life. I profusely thank PM Narendra Modi.” “This is not the time to react to who is saying what. Nor should we ascribe any political motive. It is a very special day that comes rarely in life… it feels like a dream coming true,” he said.

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Ramnath’s daughter Namita Kumari said: “We all are overwhelmed. It is an honour for all Bihar people and all those believing in democratic values.”

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At Dr Birendra K Thakur’s house in Patna, similar feelings echoed. “It feels like a dream being realised. We always knew my father was a special person. This honour is for all the downtrodden people of Bihar. We are greatly thankful to the PM for recognising his contributions,” he said.

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Dr Thakur’s wife Kanaklata Thakur said: “It’s like another Diwali in our lives. I am fortunate to have got Karpoori Thakur’s blessings as father-in-law. I still remember the silk sari he had got me after my wedding. Bharat Ratna has elevated us all.”

Santosh Singh

Santosh Singh is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express since June 2008. He covers Bihar with main focus on politics, society and governance. Investigative and explanatory stories are also his forte. Singh has 25 years of experience in print journalism covering Bihar, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.   ... Read More