Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday paid homage to the great social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on the anniversary of his death, lauding his lifelong struggle for the rights, equality, and dignity of the Bahujan community.
Taking to his official X account, Gandhi offered a “humble tribute,” writing: “As a great social reformer, Phule ji struggled throughout his life for the rights, equality, and dignity of the Bahujans. His invaluable contribution to education and social justice will continue to guide us forever.”
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also shared a tribute on X, stating, “Remembering Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on his death anniversary. His relentless fight against caste oppression and advocacy for education for all continues to inspire our commitment to social justice.”
Jyotirao Phule (1827–1890) is remembered as a pioneering advocate for women’s education and the upliftment of marginalised castes in 19th-century India. His landmark contributions include founding the first school for girls in Pune in 1848 and establishing the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth-Seekers’ Society) in 1873 to promote social equality and challenge caste-based discrimination.
Phule’s work, including his influential critique of caste oppression in the book “Gulamgiri” (Slavery), laid the groundwork for later social reform movements and significantly influenced leaders such as B R Ambedkar.
His legacy remains a focal point in contemporary debates on social justice, caste equity, and educational reform in India, with his birth anniversary on April 11 observed nationally as “Jyotirao Phule Jayanti.”
