Context: 

Former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur will posthumously be honored with Bharat Ratna.
It was announced on his 100th birth anniversary. 

About Karpoori Thakur

• Karpoori Thakur was born in 1924 in one of the most backward sections of society – the Nai (Barber) community, known for his unwavering commitment to the marginalized sections of society.
• Karpoori Thakur was also known as ‘Jan Nayak’ (People’s Leader) and participated in the Quit India movement, enduring several months in jail. 
• He was the Bihar Chief minister  twice (December 1970 to June 1971 and December 1977 to April 1979.
• He joined All India Students’ Federation (AISF) after completing his studies. 

Karpoori Thakur Contribution

• Implementing the Mungerilal Commission report: This report recommended job reservations for the backward classes in Bihar. 
• Empowered millions of farmers, boosting agricultural  productivity and rural development by implementing land reforms through The Bihar Tenancy Act.
• The National midday meal scheme was his brainchild and continues to improve educational outcomes across India
• Reform Initiatives: He removed English as compulsory subject for the matriculation examinations; prohibition of alcohol; preferential treatment for unemployed engineers in government contracts.
• Sampoorna Kranti: Karpoori Thakur along with JP Narayan, was  instrumental in launching the iconic ‘Sampoorna Kranti’ (Total Revolution) movement with the aim of transforming Indian society in a non-violent way.

Highest Civilian Award: Bharat Ratna

It is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India, instituted on 2 January 1954.

• The award is conferred in recognition of exceptional service performance of the highest order without distinction of race, occupation, or sex.
• It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavor.  
• Award Specifications: The original specifications for the award called for a circular gold medal, 35 mm in diameter, with the sun and the Hindi legend “Bharat Ratna” above and a floral wreath below. The reverse was to carry the state emblem and motto.

Other Criteria

• The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President. 
• The number of annual awards is restricted to three in a particular year.  
• On award confirmation, the recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.  
• The Award does not carry any monetary grant.  
• In terms of Article 18 (1) of the Constitution, the award cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the recipient’s name. 
• However, should an award winner consider it necessary, he/she may use the following expression in their biodata/letterhead/visiting card etc. to indicate that he/she is a recipient of the award:  ‘Awarded Bharat Ratna by the President’ or ‘Recipient of Bharat Ratna Award’ 

Important Facts about Bharat Ratna Recipient

• The holders of Bharat Ratna rank 7th in the Indian order of precedence.
• Till now it has been given to 49 persons and 15 are awarded posthumously.
• First Bharat Ratna Awardee: Shri Rajagopala Chari, Sarvapalli Radha Krishna, CV Raman
• Youngest Bharat Ratna Recipient Sachin Tendulkar and only sportsman.
• First singer  Recipient of Bharat Ratna  M.S. Subbulakshmi.
• First foreigner Recipient  Abdul Gaffar Khan & Nelson Mandela.
• First naturalized Indian citizen Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, better known as Mother Teresa.
• In 2019, it was awarded to Nanaji Deshmukh and Bhupen hajarika and Pranab Mukherjee.
• Out of 49 Bharat Ratna awardees, five females, six  presidents and seven prime ministers are awarded by Bharat Ratna.
• Bharat Ratna was suspended Only from July 1977 to January 1980 due to a change in government and again suspended between August 1992 to December 1995.

News Source: The Hindu