New Delhi, April 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to caste and social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his birth anniversary and remembered him and Babasaheb Ambedkar for their “monumental contribution” to the nation. “Mahatma Phule is widely respected as a champion of social justice and source of hope for countless people. He was a multifaceted personality who worked tirelessly for social equality, women empowerment and boosting education. Tributes to him on his Jayanti,” Modi tweeted. The prime minister also shared a clip of his monthly Mann Ki Baat program when he paid tributes to Mahatma Phule and Babasaheb Ambedkar. “Today is the Jayanti of Mahatma Phule and in a few days, on the 14th we mark Ambedkar Jayanti. During last month’s Mann Ki Baat had paid tributes to them. India will forever be grateful to Mahatma Phule and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar for their monumental contribution,” he repeated. Born in 1827, Phule worked towards the eradication of untouchability and caste system in India. Eyeing 2024 general elections, the BJP is also celebrating Social Justice Fortnight or Samajik Adhikar Pakhwada from April 7 (party’s Fou8ndation Day) to April 20 across the country in which prominent leaders have been reaching out to masses in their constituencies to establish direct contact and dialogue with those parts of the voter fraternity, who still feel marginalised. ASU ING