Mahatma Phule, also known as Jyotirao Phule, was an Indian social reformer, activist, writer, and thinker who lived from 1827 to 1890. He was born in Maharashtra, India, and was a pioneer in the struggle for women’s education and social justice.
Phule was a strong advocate for the education of girls and women, and he founded several schools for them in Maharashtra. He also believed in the importance of education for the lower castes and started a school for them as well. He was a vocal critic of the caste system and fought against the social and economic discrimination faced by the lower castes.
Phule was a prolific writer and wrote several books on social issues, including his seminal work “Gulamgiri” (Slavery), which highlighted the plight of the lower castes in India. He was also a co-founder of the Satyashodhak Samaj, a social reform organization that worked towards the upliftment of the lower castes and the empowerment of women.
Mahatma Phule’s contributions to Indian society have been recognized by the Indian government, which has awarded him several honors and accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1969. His ideas continue to inspire social activists and reformers in India and around the world.
Mahatma Phule was born to parents Govindrao and Chimnabai Phule. They were farmers who belonged to the lower caste of Shudras, which was considered to be at the bottom of the social hierarchy in Hinduism. Phule’s family faced discrimination and oppression because of their caste, and this had a profound impact on him.
Despite facing financial difficulties, Phule was able to receive an education, which was a rare opportunity for someone from his caste in those times. His parents recognized the importance of education and supported their son’s efforts to gain knowledge and learn new skills.
Phule’s mother, Chimnabai, was illiterate, but she instilled in her son a strong sense of justice and a desire to fight against the social and economic discrimination faced by the lower castes. His father, Govindrao, also played a significant role in his life and encouraged him to pursue his education and work for the betterment of society.
Although they faced many challenges in their lives, Phule’s parents provided him with the foundation he needed to become one of India’s greatest social reformers and thinkers.
