Bharat Ratna to Bhikhari Thakur | 02 Aug 2025

Why in News?

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari has urged Union Home Minister to posthumously award Bharat Ratna to Bhikhari Thakur, the legendary Bhojpuri poet, playwright, singer, and social reformer.

• The demand for Bharat Ratna to Bhikhari Thakur faces no political opposition in Bihar, reflecting broad cross-party respect for him.

Key Points Regarding Bhikhari Thakur

• About: Bhikhari Thakur, born in 1887 in Qutubpur Diara village, Saran district, Bihar, is often hailed as the "Shakespeare of Bhojpuri".
  • He later migrated to Calcutta (now Kolkata), where he keenly observed the struggles of migrant workers, which deeply influenced his work.
• Literary Contributions: He authored 29 books, beginning with Batohiya in 1912. 
  • His most famous play, Bidesiya, highlights the pain of separation caused by migration. 
  • Works like Beti Bechwa, Gabar Ghichor, and Achhoot Ki Shikayat addressed critical social issues such as child marriage, dowry, and untouchability. 
  • Achhoot Ki Shikayat is based on the life of Hira Dom, a Dalit character.
  • Through his works, he addressed social issues such as child marriage, caste discrimination, gender inequality, alcoholism, and migration and displacement.
• Legacy: Bhikhari Thakur remains a symbol of Bhojpuri pride and Bihar’s cultural legacy, with his theatre and music continuing to educate, inspire, and promote social reform through grassroots art.