Remembering Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his birth Anniversary

OV Digital Desk
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Statues of Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, at Aurangabad in Maharashtra | Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/

Jyotirao Govindrao Phule (11 April 1827 – 28 November 1890), an Indian social activist, thinker, anti-caste social reformer and writer. His work extended to many fields, including the eradication of untouchability and the caste system and for his efforts in educating women and exploited caste people. He was born on 11 April 1827 in Maharashtra, British India.

He and his wife, Savitribai Phule, were pioneers of women education in India. Phule started his first school for girls in 1848 in Pune at Tatyasaheb Bhide’s residence or Bhidewada. He, along with his followers, formed the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers) to attain equal rights for people from exploited castes. People from all religions and castes could become a part of this association which worked for the upliftment of the oppressed classes. Phule is regarded as an important figure in the social reform movement in Maharashtra. He was bestowed with honorific Mahātmā (Sanskrit: “great-souled”, “venerable”) title by Maharashtrian social activist Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar in 1888.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tribute to the great social reformer, philosopher and writer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his birth anniversary. Shri Modi said that Mahatma Phule is widely respected as a champion of social justice and source of hope for countless people and worked tirelessly for social equality, women empowerment and boosting education.

The Prime Minister also shared his thoughts on great thinker, Jyotiba Phule through his Mann Ki Baat programme where Shri Modi had said that Mahatma Phule started schools for girls and raised his voice against female infanticide and also carried out campaigns to solve water crisis.

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