New Delhi, April 10: In 1848, a significant incident unfolded on a narrow street in Pune. A wedding procession of a privileged friend passed by, but Jyotirao Govindrao Phule was forcibly removed for being labeled a ‘Shudra’ due to caste discrimination. This event ignited a path that would transform Indian history. Phule abandoned personal ambition and dedicated his life to uprooting this inhumane system.
Born on April 11, 1827, Phule recognized that the greatest cause of the oppression of Shudras, Atishudras, and women was ignorance. He believed that until the marginalized received education, they would continue to accept exploitation as ‘God’s will.’ Phule referred to education as the ‘Third Eye,’ which clears the web of ignorance and grants intellectual freedom.
He initiated change from his own home. In 1848, he taught his wife, Savitribai, to read and write. At a time when it was considered sinful for women and Dalits to touch books, this couple opened the first school for girls in Pune’s Bhidewada. This was no easy feat. When Savitribai went to teach, conservative individuals would throw stones, mud, and cow dung at her. Nevertheless, she carried an extra sari in her bag, changed clothes upon reaching school, and taught the girls with a smile. They also established schools for the Mahar and Mang communities, who were deemed untouchable.
Phule’s struggle extended beyond education. In the 19th century, child marriage was rampant, and many girls became widows at a young age. In 1853, the Phule couple converted their home into a ‘Child Murder Prevention Home.’ This safe haven allowed abandoned women to give birth without fear. Here, a Brahmin widow named Kashibai gave birth to a son, whom Jyotirao and Savitribai adopted and named Yashwant.
On September 24, 1873, Mahatma Phule founded the ‘Satyashodhak Samaj.’ This organization declared that no priest or intermediary was needed between God (whom Phule called ‘Nirmik’) and humans. Just as a child does not need a priest to talk to their mother, Phule believed that marriages should be conducted without priests, extravagant rituals, or Sanskrit mantras. Couples pledged loyalty and equality in their mother tongue, Marathi, with the groom specifically promising to grant his wife freedom and education.
Phule was not only a grassroots leader but also a profound thinker. In 1873, he authored the renowned book ‘Gulamgiri,’ dedicated to those fighting for the freedom of African Americans. In 1881, he published ‘Shetkaryacha Asud’ (The Farmer’s Whip), exposing the collusion between British rule, corrupt bureaucracy, and moneylenders. He did not merely highlight problems but also proposed modern solutions like dam construction, water conservation, and technical education for farmers. The Sunday holiday that Indian mill workers enjoy today is a result of Phule’s struggle alongside his associate Narayan Meghaji Lokhande (Bombay Mill Hands Association).
In recognition of his immense contributions to society, the public honored him with the title ‘Mahatma’ on May 11, 1888. After suffering a stroke in 1890, this great warrior passed away at the age of 63.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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