Source: HT
Context: Prime Minister of India announced a year-long series of events to mark the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, celebrating his legacy in social reform, women’s empowerment, and caste equality.
About Mahatma Jyotiba Phule:
- Full Name: Jyotirao Govindrao Phule
- Born: 11 April 1827, Satara (now in Maharashtra)
- Died: 28 November 1890, Pune
- Indian social reformer, thinker, writer, and activist who fought caste discrimination and gender inequality.
- Background:
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- Born into the Mali caste (classified as Shudra), traditionally engaged in farming.
- Received early education despite caste barriers, later influenced by reformist and revolutionary ideas.
- Contributions in Social Reform & Freedom Movement:
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- Women’s Education Pioneer –
- Opened India’s first school for girls (1848) in Pune.
- Educated his wife, Savitribai Phule, who became India’s first female teacher.
- Caste Equality Champion –
- Founded Satyashodhak Samaj (1873) to promote social justice, oppose Brahmanical dominance, and unite oppressed communities.
- Opened his well to all castes, symbolising social inclusivity.
- Abolition of Social Evils –
- Opposed child marriage and supported widow remarriage.
- Established shelters for widows and orphaned children.
- Advocate of Rights through Literature –
- Authored Gulamgiri (Slavery, 1873) drawing parallels between caste oppression in India and racial slavery in America.
- Influence on Later Leaders –
- Inspired B.R. Ambedkar and several anti-caste and social justice movements in India.
- Women’s Education Pioneer –
- Significance:
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- Social Justice Legacy – Laid the foundation for anti-caste and gender equality movements.
- Educational Revolution – Championed universal education as the tool for empowerment.
