The Jannayak Karpoori Thakur: Voice of the Voiceless delves into the life, legacy, and enduring relevance of Karpoori Thakur, popularly known as Jannayak, a political luminary, who left an indelible mark on the landscape of Bihar and India as a whole. In early 2024, he was posthumously honoured with the Bharat Ratna in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to society. Written by Santosh Singh and Aditya Anmol and published by Penguin Random House India, it is currently on pre-order and is scheduled to hit the stands in end May.
The Jannayak Karpoori Thakur: Voice of the Voiceless sheds light on Karpoori Thakur’s visionary politics and his pivotal role in revolutionizing the reservation system in 1978. Introducing groundbreaking concepts such as “quota within quota” and “equity within equity,” he spearheaded the bifurcation of reservation among OBC, EBC, EWS, and women—a model that not only influenced the recommendations of the Mandal Commission but also laid the foundation for the present-day reservation framework in India. It offers a comprehensive exploration of his pragmatic approach towards fostering an equitable society and deep dives into his historic announcement of reservation allotment to various societal segments during his tenure as Bihar’s chief minister—a momentous decision that underscored his unwavering commitment to social justice and inclusivity.
Deeply researched, anecdotal and unputdownable, The Jannayak Karpoori Thakur: Voice of the Voiceless promises to be a beacon for readers seeking to understand the evolution of India’s reservation system and the complex landscape of Indian politics and society.
Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, the book provides a nuanced portrait of a visionary leader whose ideas continue to resonate in the fabric of Indian politics today.
