Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule: A beacon who is still a guiding light for India today: Prime Minister

Today is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, one of India's greatest social reformers and a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. This year, the significance of this occasion becomes even more pronounced as we begin the celebrations of his 200th birth anniversary. These thoughts were expressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an article released here. He said that Mahatma Phule was a great reformer, and his life is an example of moral courage, relentless pursuit, and unwavering commitment to social welfare. Mahatma Phule is still remembered today for the institutions he founded and the movements he led.

At the same time, his contribution to our civilizational journey is embedded in the hope he generated, the confidence he instilled in hearts, and the strength his thoughts continue to inspire millions of people across the country. Born in 1827 in the state of Maharashtra, Mahatma Phule came from a humble background. However, his early struggles never became a hindrance to his education, his courage, or his resolve for society. It was a consistent trait of his that no matter how many obstacles one faces, one must work hard, acquire knowledge, and try to overcome those obstacles rather than doing nothing.

From his school days, young Jyotirao was an inquisitive mind and an avid reader, often reading books far beyond what was prescribed for children of his age. Years later, he would say, "The more questions we raise, the more knowledge is born out of them." Clearly, the curiosity he had in childhood stayed with him throughout his life. Throughout his life, the core of Mahatma Phule's mission was education and knowledge. He realized with extraordinary insight that knowledge is not the monopoly of a few, but a power that is meant to be shared with all.

In an era when many were denied the benefits of education, he established modern and pioneering schools for girls and those deprived of formal education. He would say, "The improvement that comes to children through the mother is very valuable. Therefore, if schools are to be opened, they should be opened for girls first." He attempted to create a new social concept where the classroom would become an instrument of justice and equality. His vision regarding education is extremely impressive. Over the past decade, we have tried to make research and innovation a fundamental pillar for India's youth.

Efforts are underway to establish a system where young minds are encouraged to question, discover, and innovate. By investing in knowledge, skills, and opportunities, India is making its youth the drivers of problem-solving and national development. Through his knowledge and wisdom, Mahatma Phule developed deep insights into areas such as agriculture, health, and rural development. He would often say that injustice to farmers and laborers weakens our society. He saw how social inequality affects everyday life, whether in fields or villages.

Therefore, he dedicated himself to empowering the poor, the marginalized, and the downtrodden. At the same time, he made every possible effort to maintain social harmony. Mahatma Phule said, "Until everyone in society gets equal rights, true freedom cannot be achieved." And for this purpose, he established institutions that gave shape to this vision and played a crucial role in the formation of a just society. The Satyashodhak Samaj he founded was one of the most important social reform movements in modern India.

It was at the forefront of social reform, social service, and the promotion of human dignity. It became an effective voice for women, youth, and those living in rural areas. This movement reflected Mahatma Phule's fundamental belief that society can be strengthened by putting justice, respect for every individual, and the spirit of collective upliftment at its core. His personal life was also filled with examples of courage. Constantly working and being among the people took a toll on his health, but even the most severe health issues could not weaken his resolve.

Even after suffering a paralytic stroke, he continued his struggle and mission. Yes, his body went through trials, but his resolve for society did not weaken. Today, for millions of people, especially those who draw inspiration from struggles, this aspect of his life is a source of motivation. The mention of Mahatma Phule's memory is incomplete without a tribute to Savitribai Phule, who was one of our country's greatest reformers. As one of India's early women teachers, she played a key role in promoting girls' education and giving them the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.

After Mahatma Phule's demise, Savitribai took his mission forward and served the affected during the plague outbreak in 1897, eventually succumbing to the disease herself. Our land has been blessed time and again with such great men and women who have empowered society through thought, sacrifice, and action. They did not wait for an external agent of change but became the source of change themselves. The loud voice of social reform that has risen from within our society for centuries, often from those who have seen suffering and refused to accept it as destiny, is a testament to this.

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was one such voice. I still remember my visit to Pune in 2022, when I paid tribute to him in front of his grand statue in the city. As we begin the year of his 200th birth anniversary, the most fitting tribute to Mahatma Jyotirao Phule would be to reiterate our commitment to the causes close to his heart, such as education, sensitivity towards injustice, and the belief that society can improve itself from within. His life tells us that when social power is combined with moral clarity and collective purpose, miracles can happen in India.

That is why he continues to inspire millions of people today. That is why his words and work continue to give hope. And that is why, nearly two centuries after his birth, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule is not just a figure of the past but a leader of India's future.