Honouring Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on the Anniversary of His Birth

In honour of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, one of India’s most significant social reformers, Mahatma Phule Jayanti 2025 is celebrated on April 11. Phule was a trailblazer in the advancement of justice and equality, persistently striving to improve the lot of marginalised and oppressed groups across the nation.

The Legacy and Life of Jyotirao Phule

Jyotirao Phule was born in Satara, Maharashtra, on April 11, 1827, and hailed from a lowly family. He was reared by his father, a farmer and flower merchant, after losing his mother when he was a little child. Phule devoted his life to social transformation in spite of social criticism, especially in opposing caste prejudice and advocating for universal access to education.

As a result of his dedication to reform, Phule founded schools for females and kids from lower castes, which at the time was seen as groundbreaking.

Contributions to Revolution with Savitribai Phule

He co-founded India’s first school for females with his wife, Savitribai Phule, who was the nation’s first female teacher. In order to oppose caste inequities, advance reason, and promote social equality, the couple also founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers).

Gulamgiri (Slavery), one of Phule’s most important literary works, campaigned for the liberation of downtrodden groups and openly questioned Brahminical rule.

Influence Through Strong Phrases and Principles

Phule’s ideas have remained relevant throughout time, inspiring social movements and influencing ideas about justice, equality, and education. Here are a few of his more provocative sayings and catchphrases:

• “Without education, wisdom is lost; without wisdom, morals are lost; without morals, progress is lost.”

• “You teach one person when you educate a guy. You may educate a whole family by educating a lady.

• “True unity can only be achieved when oppressive traditions are discarded and equality is embraced by all sections of society.”

• “Do not justify wrongdoing in the name of good work.”

• “Women and men are equal from birth and deserve the same rights and opportunities.”

• “Let every village have schools for Shudras, led by teachers from among them—not Brahmin schoolmasters.”

• “A nation cannot prosper unless all its people, including tribals, Shudras, and marginalised groups, are educated and empowered.”

• “Temples worship lifeless stones while ignoring the divine in humanity—this is the deception of caste supremacy.”

• “Discrimination in food and marriage customs blocks the growth of nationalism in India.”

• “The religion of cruelty must be renounced before any real unity or progress can occur.”

His Mission Is Still Being Performed Today

Many subsequent social justice movements were made possible by Jyotirao Phule’s vision. His unwavering advocacy for equality, universal access to education, and resistance to gender prejudice and caste still has an impact on Indian culture.

In 2025, India will commemorate Mahatma Phule Jayanti, a time to consider his legacy and pledge to uphold the principles he promoted: equality, justice, and education.