Jyotirao Phule Jayanti: Jyotirao Govindroa Phule was born on April 11, 1827. He is known for fighting social evils to make society equal for everyone. His progressive thoughts are the reason girl’s today are learning, working and has their own identity.
In order to mark his birth anniversary, the day is fondly marked as Jyotirao Phule Jayanti which is observed in schools and colleges and different events are held where his work is discussed. He dedicated his entire life for the ill-treated and women.
Jyotirao Phule Jayanti: A look at some of the works done by the great reformer
- He along with his wife started the first school for girls in 1848 and later schools for children from Dalit castes of Mahar and Mang.
- He abolished untouchability and caste system in Maharashtra.
- Jyotirao and his brother worked as florists for the Peshwas and hence they were called Phule as Phul means flowers in Marathi.
- On May 11, 1888, he was honored with the title of Mahatma by a Maharashtrian social activist Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar.
- In 1873, he formed Satya Shodhak Samaj (Seekers of Truth) with the aim of liberating bahujans and shudras (people belong to the lower caste) and protecting them from atrocities. It was even supported by the Maratha ruler of Kolhapur state, Chhatrapati Shahu.
- Jyotirao Phule wrote 16 books which contributed to the social awakening of the ill-treated masses who were constantly troubled by upper castes and Britishers.
- His book Gulamgiri (slavery) was dedicated to the African American movement to end slavery.
- He introduced the Marathi word ‘Dalit’ as they were treated out of the traditional caste system.
- His wife Savitri Bai Phule, also a social reformer, known as the first woman teacher of India and the first leader of the women liberation movement.
- Jyotirao Phule opposed Brahminism and encouraged marriage ceremonies without any Brahmins leading the rituals.
He died at the age of 63 on November 28, 1980, in Pune.
