Shri Amit Shah Releases ₹100 Coin in Honour of Shri Karpoori Thakur

The Minister of Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah, released a ₹100 commemorative coin and a postage stamp to mark the Birth Centenary of Late Shri Karpoori Thakur today, January 24, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Among the dignitaries present were Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of Law & Justice, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Culture; Shri Hukmdev Narayan Yadav, Former Union Minister of Cabinet Textile and Food Processing Industries; Dr. Virendra Kumar, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment; Shri Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs; and Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of India, among others.

On the occasion, Shri Amit Shah said that Karpoori Thakur became a public leader through his principles, simplicity, and compassion for the poor, but it took decades for him to be awarded the Bharat Ratna. Many governments overlooked him, but on his 100th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who himself grew up in a humble background, honored him with the nation’s highest civilian award. Shri Shah noted the symbolic connection: on August 22, Modi performed the consecration of Lord Ram, and on August 23, he honored the champion of social justice, Karpoori Thakur, fulfilling the aspirations of millions of poor, Dalit, backward, and tribal communities.

Shri Shah emphasized that Modi has honored not only Karpoori Thakur but also crores of India’s poor and marginalized. He highlighted that the Prime Minister has upheld the principles of justice, equality, and simplicity in governance, inspiring youth across the country to pursue politics with integrity. Karpoori Thakur exemplified selfless service, working tirelessly to uplift the poor and uphold social justice.

Shri Shah noted that August 23 is historically significant: the birth anniversary of Karpoori Thakur, adoption of the national anthem by the Constituent Assembly, and milestones of great Indians like Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. Homi Bhabha, and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. By honoring Thakur, Modi reinforced the principles of equality and social justice championed by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Ram Manohar Lohia, strengthening the resolve of principled politicians today.

Shri Shah also highlighted the welfare initiatives of the Modi government over the past decade: lifting 23 crore people out of poverty, providing housing, electricity, gas cylinders, tap water, free grains, urea, and PM Kisan benefits. He said these programs reflect Modi’s commitment to the poor and marginalized, echoing the values Thakur stood for.

Karpoori Thakur’s life reflected Gandhi’s simplicity, Ambedkar’s advocacy for the backward classes, and Lohia’s social justice principles. He empowered Hindi and regional languages in governance, and Modi has extended this vision through the New Education Policy and promotion of education in Indian languages.

Shri Shah added that Prime Minister Modi has implemented inclusive policies such as 33% reservation for women, reservations for OBCs and economically backward classes, constitutional recognition for the OBC Commission, and strengthened local languages in education. Through these efforts, Modi has ensured that the principles of the Constitution are actively reflected in governance.

Shri Shah concluded that Karpoori Thakur set a model of integrity, democracy, and public service. Unlike earlier governments that favored leaders close to political families, Modi has recognized leaders for their service to society, reinforcing the values of fairness and merit in Indian politics.

This marks the second commemorative coin release for the year 2024, minted by the India Government Mint, Kolkata. The bookings are expected to open soon on the India Government Mint's website and will be updated in the current and upcoming bookings section.