President Droupadi Murmu today addressed the nation on the eve of the 75th Republic Day. "This is a period of epochal change," President Murmu said in the televised address.
She acknowledged the contribution to society by former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, and also pointed to the consecration of the Ram Lalla temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya as a historic and an immensely significant moment for the country.
"I pay my tribute to Karpoori ji for enriching public life with his contribution," the President said.
Karpoori Thakur, the two-term Bihar Chief Minister who died in 1988, has been named for the country's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna for his contribution to uplifting the poor and backward classes. During his political career, Karpoori Thakur was considered the guiding light of Other Backward Classes (OBC) politics in Bihar.
"Karpoori ji belonged to the backward classes and dedicated his life for their welfare," President Murmur said.