Carrying Jyotirao Phule's Trishul: education, justice, social reform

Today is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, one of India's greatest social reformers. This year carries special significance, as it marks the beginning of his 200th birth anniversary celebrations.

Phule was a great reformer. His was a life of moral courage, restless enquiry, and unshakable commitment to social good. He is remembered for institutions he built and movements he led. At the same time, his contribution to our civilisational journey lies in the hope he aroused, confidence he instilled, and strength his thoughts continue to give to millions of people.

Born in Maharashtra's Satara district in 1827, Phule had modest beginnings. But his initial hardships never stood in the way of his learning, courage, and social commitment. From his school days, young Jyotirao was deeply curious and became a voracious reader. Years later, he said, 'The more questions we generate, the more knowledge emerges from them.'


Learning and education became central to Phule's mission. He recognised that knowledge is not a privilege to be guarded, but a force to be shared. He opened pioneering schools for girls, and for youngsters kept out of formal education. He used to say, 'Any improvement that comes in children through mothers is deeply valuable. Therefore, if schools are to be opened, they should first be opened for girls.'

Phule developed a strong understanding of areas such as agriculture, healthcare, and rural development. He often said that injustice towards farmers and workers weakens society. He saw how social inequalities manifested themselves in daily life, be it in farms or villages. Hence, he immersed himself in ensuring dignity for the poor, downtrodden, and marginalised. At the same time, he made every possible effort to ensure social harmony was maintained. 'True freedom cannot be achieved until everyone in society is granted equal rights,' Phule had said. He went on to found Satyashodhak Samaj, one of the most important social reform movements in modern India. It was at the forefront of community service and furthering human dignity and became an effective voice for women, youngsters, and villagers. This movement reflected Phule's belief that society could be strengthened by placing at its core justice, respect for every person, and a spirit of collective progress.

His personal life, too, carried lessons in courage. Overwork and being constantly among people took a toll on his health. But that did not dim his resolve. After suffering a debilitating stroke, he continued to work and fulfil his vision.

No remembrance of Mahatma Phule can be complete without a respectful mention of his wife Savitribai Phule, who was one of the tallest reformers of India herself. As one of India's pioneering female teachers, she played a defining role in advancing education for girls. After Phule's passing, Savitribai carried her husband's torch and, in 1897, during a plague outbreak, she served victims with such devotion that she herself contracted the disease and lost her life.

I fondly recall my visit to Pune in 2022, when I had offered tributes to Mahatma Phule at his grand statue in the city. As we mark the beginning of his bicentenary year, the most fitting tribute to him is to pledge renewal--renewal of our commitment to subjects close to Phule's heart like education, fighting injustice, social reform. His life tells us that the power of community can achieve miracles in India, when joined with moral clarity and public purpose.

(The writer is Prime Minister of India)