Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tributes to former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur, who has been named for the country's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna, on his birth centenary on Wednesday, and said he left an unforgettable imprint on Indian society and politics.

Modi said Thakur's relentless pursuit of social justice created a positive impact in people's lives.

Sharing his write-up on the pioneering backward caste leader, Modi posted on X, "I bow to Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji on his birth centenary. On this special occasion, our Government has had the honour of conferring the Bharat Ratna on him. I've penned a few thoughts on his unparalleled impact on our society and polity."

Overcoming numerous obstacles, Thakur achieved a lot and worked for societal betterment, the prime minister said.

Thakur's most significant contributions to India was perhaps his role in strengthening the affirmative action apparatus for the backward classes, with the hope that they were given the representation and opportunities they deserved, he said.