His works addressed major social issues such as, Migration, Child marriage, Caste discrimination, Women's oppression, Poverty.
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari Urges Bharat Ratna for Bhojpuri ‘Shakespeare’ & Social Reformer Bhikhari Thakur
Bharat Ratna To Bojpuri ‘Shakespeare’ Bhikhari Thakur Latest News: BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, who represents the North East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, has urged the Central Government to award the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, posthumously to Bhikhari Thakur — a revered Bhojpuri folk singer, playwright, and social reformer.
Tiwari said that he has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, appealing for the honour to be conferred upon Bhikhari Thakur, often referred to as the “Shakespeare of Bhojpuri.”
Speaking to ANI, Tiwari said, “We have requested the Government of India. Bhikhari Thakur ji opposed child marriage and is also called the Shakespeare of Bhojpuri. The way he introduced the people of Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh to their culture is remarkable. He should be given the honour of Bharat Ratna posthumously.”
“We have written a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah ji, and I am fully confident that a decision will be taken on this as soon as possible,” he added.
Who Was Bhikhari Thakur?
Bhikhari Thakur (1887–1971) was a poet, playwright, folk singer, dancer, actor, and social reformer from Kutubpur (Diyara) village in Saran district, Bihar. Born into a barber family, he rose to prominence for his Naach theatre tradition, which brought social awareness to rural communities through folk performances in the Bhojpuri language.
His works addressed major social issues such as, Migration, Child marriage, Caste discrimination, Women’s oppression, Poverty.
His most notable plays include, Bidesiya – the pain of separation due to migration, Beti Bechwa – on the practice of selling daughters in marriage, Gabarghichor, Ganga Asnan, Nai Bahar, Bhai-Virodh, and Vidhwa Vilap.
He passed away on 10 July 1971 at the age of 83. Bhikhari Thakur's legacy continues to inspire generations and preserve the rich cultural identity of Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
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