- Maharashtra Assembly passes resolution unanimously demands Bharat Ratna for Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule
- The resolution seeks recognition for the social reformers of the 19th century
Pursuant to a resolution passed unanimously on Monday, calling for the Bharat Ratna, India's highest award for civilians, to be awarded to the famous 19th-century social reformer Jyotiba Phule and his wife, Savitribai Phule, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly met the first half of his political career.
While introducing the resolution, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pointed out that the title "Mahatma" conferred on Jyotiba Phule was highly esteemed. He also said "The Mahatma was everything in the country, and among the two people, it was Mahatma Phule and Mahatma Gandhi," as per the PTI.
Jyotirao Phule is one of the many reformers, educators, and revolutionary thinkers who played an important role in India's 19th-century social reform movement. Most remarkable about him is that he founded the first-ever girls' school in India and became a champion against untouchability and the caste system while promoting education for women and deprived communities.
With his wife Savitribai Phule, India's first female teacher, he also began women's education in India,. The year was 1848; the venue was at Tatyasaheb Bhide's house in Pune for the opening of the first girls' school Savitribai Phule was an active participant.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar rejoiced that the Assembly had made the resolution. "Today, women are getting engaged in agriculture, education, science and research, space, politics, and many other fields and contributing to the growth of the nation," He said, "The whole credit for this has gone to the visionary work and establishment of tireless efforts by Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule."
For the sake of attaining equal rights for lower castes, Phule established the Satyashodhak Samaj, through which a person of any caste or religion could enter to empower those neglected by society. Meanwhile, Savitribai like Jyotirao was encouraged and would defy the society to cross the line of being among the first women to receive formal education in India.
