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Jyotiba Phule: 200th birth anniversary
Q1. Who was Jyotiba Phule?
Jyotirao Govindrao Phule (1827–1890) was a social reformer, activist, and thinker from Maharashtra. He challenged caste discrimination, untouchability, and gender inequality. Along with his wife Savitribai Phule, he pioneered women’s education and fought for the rights of marginalized communities.
Q2. When is his 200th birth anniversary?
Jyotiba Phule was born on 11 April 1827. His 200th birth anniversary will be observed on 11 April 2027.
Q3. Why is Jyotiba Phule remembered today?
He is remembered for his pioneering work, including:
- Opening the first girls’ school in Pune (1848).
- Advocating for widow remarriage and opposing child marriage.
- Establishing the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers) in 1873.
- Authoring Gulamgiri (Slavery), exposing caste oppression.
- Working for the welfare of farmers, laborers, and lower castes.
Q4. What role did Savitribai Phule play?
Savitribai Phule was India’s first female teacher and a reformer in her own right. She worked with Jyotiba to expand education for girls and oppressed groups, and also led social reform movements after his death.
Q5. What are the main values of Jyotiba Phule’s legacy?
- Equality across caste and gender.
- Education as the path to liberation.
- Rational, scientific thinking against blind faith.
- Human dignity and justice for all.
Q6. What institutions or initiatives are connected to Phule’s name today?
Many schools, colleges, and universities are named after Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule. Statues and memorials across Maharashtra and India honor their work. His writings continue to inspire research in social reform, Dalit literature, and gender studies.
Q7. How can people today connect with his ideas?
- Promote education for girls and marginalized groups.
- Challenge discrimination and inequality in daily life.
- Read and reflect on his works such as Gulamgiri.
- Support movements for social justice and equality.
Q8. What are some famous sayings or messages of Jyotiba Phule?
“Education is the only way to free society.”
“Without education, wisdom was lost; without wisdom, morality was lost; without morality, development was lost; without development, wealth was lost; without wealth, the Shudras were ruined. Such was the great harm caused by lack of education.”