Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to social reformer Jyotirao Phule on his birth anniversary. He described Phule as an example of fostering social change from within society and emphasized his work in education. The occasion marks the start of Phule's 200th birth anniversary celebrations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on April 11, marking his birth anniversary. He stated, "Our land has been blessed, time and again, by great men and women who have strengthened society through thought, sacrifice and action. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was one such voice."
Modi praised Phule's lifelong commitment to education, noting that he opened pioneering schools for girls and those excluded from formal learning. Quoting Phule, the Prime Minister said: "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."
The Prime Minister highlighted Phule's founding of the Satyashodhak Samaj, which advocated for women, youth and villagers. He also remembered Savitribai Phule, who continued the work and died serving plague victims in 1897.
Modi linked his government's focus on education and innovation to Phule's vision. He recalled offering tributes at Phule's statue in Pune in 2022 and called for renewing commitments to education and social justice.