Birth Anniversary Tributes: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his birth anniversary, recognizing his contributions to social reform and the welfare of marginalized communities.
Modi’s Remarks: Modi called Phule a “true servant of humanity” who dedicated his life to the exploited and deprived, emphasizing his inspirational contribution to the country.
Shah’s Statement: Shah highlighted Phule’s commitment to empowering the backward and deprived, his pioneering role in women’s education, and his work through the Satyashodhak Samaj to free society from evils.
Phule’s Background: Born on April 11, 1827, in Maharashtra, Jyotirao Phule was a social reformer, educator, and writer known for his fight against caste discrimination and gender inequality.
Education & Reform: He established schools for girls and marginalized communities, founded night schools for working-class individuals, and started the Satyashodhak Samaj to promote social equality.
Women’s Rights Advocacy: Phule advocated for widow remarriage and fought against child marriage and female infanticide, with his wife Savitribai Phule becoming India’s first female teacher.
Literary Works: Authored “Gulamgiri” (Slavery) and “Shetkaryacha Asud” (Cultivator’s Whip), critiquing caste oppression and farmer exploitation.
Opposition to Caste System: He strongly opposed the caste system and Brahmanical traditions, calling for its abolition to achieve true social justice.
Satyashodhak Samaj: Phule formed the Satyashodhak Samaj to attain equal rights for peasants and lower castes, seeking truth and social equality.
