Why in News?
Mahatma Jyotirao Phule is recently in the news because April 11, 2026, marks the start of his 200th Birth Anniversary (Bicentenary). To honour this historic milestone, the Government of India and various state governments have launched year-long nationwide celebrations (April 2026 – April 2027).
Profile
- Birth: 11 April 1827 in Pune, Maharashtra.
- Community: Belonged to the Mali (gardener) caste.
- Honorific: Bestowed with the title 'Mahatma' in 1888 by activist Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar.
- Ideology: Rooted in Liberty, Equality, and Rationalism; heavily influenced by Thomas Paine’s book, The Rights of Man.
Educational Revolution
- India's First Girls' School: Established the first indigenous girls' school in 1848 at Bhidewada, Pune.
- Pioneering Teacher: He educated his wife, Savitribai Phule, who became India's first female teacher.
- Inclusive Education: Opened schools specifically for children from the then "untouchable" castes (Mahar and Mang).
- Night Schools: Started India's first night schools for labourers and farmers in 1855.
Social Reform & Activism
- Satyashodhak Samaj: Founded the "Society of Truth Seekers" in 1873 to fight for the rights of Shudras, Dalits, and women.
- Anti-Caste Crusade: Challenged the caste hierarchy and opened his personal water well to all communities, a revolutionary act at the time.
- Women's Welfare: Championed widow remarriage and established a home for pregnant widows (Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha) to prevent infanticide.
- Barber Strike: Organized a strike where barbers refused to shave the heads of widows, protesting a humiliating social custom.
Literary Works
- Gulamgiri (Slavery): His most famous book (1873), dedicated to the American movement to end slavery.
- Shetkarayacha Aasud: A critique of the exploitation of farmers.
- Tritiya Ratna: A play exposing the exploitation of lower castes by priests.
- Sarvajanik Satya Dharma Pustak: Published posthumously, promoting a rational and universal religion.
Legacy & Commemoration
- Inspiration to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Ambedkar regarded Phule as one of his three "Gurus" or masters.
- Institution Names: The Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (Agricultural University) and various landmarks like Mumbai’s Crawford Market (Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai) are named in his honour.
- Public Holiday: Several states, including Rajasthan, have declared his birth anniversary a public holiday.
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