By Anjali Solanki
Ones upon a time when India was stuck in the chains of caste and patriarchy bound millions to silence, one of India’s most influential social reformers, educationists, and champions of equality Jyotiba phule was born in Maharashtra,
He dedicated his life to challenging the oppressive caste system, advocating for the rights of marginalised communities, and promoting education for all, particularly women and the underprivileged.
His relentless efforts to eradicate social inequalities and uplift the downtrodden make his legacy profoundly relevant even today. Celebrating Jyotiba Phule Jayanti is not only a tribute to his contributions but also a reminder of the ongoing struggle for a just and equitable society.
Jyotiba Phule was born into a family belonging to the Mali caste, considered socially backward at the time.
Despite facing discrimination and societal barriers, he pursued education with determination, which shaped his worldview and ignited his passion for social reform. Phule’s exposure to Western ideas of equality and justice, combined with his own experiences of caste-based prejudice, led him to question the rigid hierarchical structures of Indian society. He was particularly disturbed by the plight of the lower castes and women, who were denied basic rights and opportunities. This realization became the foundation of his lifelong mission to dismantle systemic oppression.
One of his most significant contributions was his pioneering work in education. At a time when education was a privilege reserved for the upper castes, Phule took revolutionary steps to make it accessible to all. Their efforts laid the groundwork for modern education reforms and inspired future generations to prioritize inclusive education.
His critique of the caste system was both fearless and groundbreaking. He rejected the notion that caste was divinely ordained and instead argued that it was a man-made construct designed to perpetuate inequality. In 1873, he founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers), an organisation dedicated to promoting social equality and challenging Brahmanical supremacy. Through this platform, Phule advocated for the rights of peasants, workers, and other oppressed groups, urging them to reject caste hierarchies and embrace rational thinking. His writings, such as Gulamgiri , exposed the injustices faced by lower castes and drew parallels between caste oppression and slavery, earning him recognition as a visionary thinker.
Jyotiba Phule began his journalistic journey as a means to reach a wider audience and spread his reformist ideas. In an era, when the press was struggling phase for social change in India, Phule recognised its potential to challenge the status. He used journalism to critique Brahminical dominance, expose the injustices faced by the Shudras and Ati-Shudras castes and untouchables, and advocate for education and equality.
Today, Jyotiba Phule’s ideas remain a guiding light for India’s journey toward social justice. Despite progress in many areas, caste-based discrimination, gender disparities, and unequal access to opportunities persist in various forms. Phule’s emphasis on education as a means of empowerment is particularly significant in an era where knowledge and skills determine social mobility. His call for unity among oppressed communities resonates with movements advocating for the rights of marginalised groups worldwide. By celebrating Jyotiba Phule Jayanti, we recommit ourselves to the values of equality, justice, and compassion that he championed