Jyotirao Phule: 200th birth anniversary celebrations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to Jyotirao Phule on his birth anniversary, marking the commencement of his 200th birth anniversary celebrations.

PM Highlights Phule’s Enduring Legacy
In a commemorative article, the Prime Minister described Mahatma Phule as a guiding light, emphasizing that his ideals of education, equality, and social justice remain deeply relevant in contemporary society. He expressed hope that Phule’s thoughts continue to inspire collective efforts toward societal progress.

Pioneer of Social Reform
Mahatma Phule was one of the foremost reformers of 19th-century India, who dedicated his life to eradicating caste-based discrimination and uplifting marginalized communities, including peasants and the poor. Born into the Mali (gardener) community, he challenged entrenched social hierarchies.

Founding of Reform Movements
In 1873, he established the Satya Shodhak Samaj to fight exploitation and promote social equality. He was also a strong advocate of widow remarriage and, in 1863, set up a home to prevent infanticide.

Focus on Agriculture and Education
Phule was among the earliest thinkers to highlight the importance of agriculture, farmers’ welfare, and scientific education for cultivators—issues that remain central to India’s development discourse.

Public Service and Recognition
He served as a member of the Pune Municipality from 1876 to 1882. In 1888, he was conferred the title “Mahatma” and hailed as the “Booker T. Washington of India” for his work toward social emancipation.

Literary Contributions
His influential works include Gulamgiri (1873), Shetkaryacha Aasud (1883), Tritiya Ratna (1855), and Sarvajanik Satyadharma Pustak, among others, which critiqued social inequalities and advocated reform.

Memorial in Parliament Complex
A 12-foot bronze statue of Mahatma Phule, sculpted by Ram V. Sutar and unveiled by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003, stands at Prerna Sthal within the Parliament House Complex as a tribute to his enduring legacy.