Mahatma Phule Jayanti 2025: Honouring a Visionary Social Reformer

Remembering Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on His Birth Anniversary

Mahatma Phule Jayanti 2025 is observed on April 11 to pay tribute to one of India's most influential social reformers, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. A pioneer in promoting equality and justice, Phule tirelessly worked for the upliftment of oppressed and marginalised communities across the country.

Life and Legacy of Jyotirao Phule

Born on April 11, 1827, in Satara, Maharashtra, Jyotirao Phule came from a humble background. After losing his mother at an early age, he was raised by his father, who worked as a farmer and flower vendor. Despite societal opposition, Phule dedicated his life to social reform, particularly in challenging caste discrimination and promoting education for all.

Phule’s commitment to change led him to establish schools for girls and children from lower castes—an act considered revolutionary at the time.

Revolutionary Contributions with Savitribai Phule

Alongside his wife, Savitribai Phule—India’s first female teacher—he co-founded the country’s first school for girls. The couple also formed the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers), a platform to advocate for social equality, fight caste injustices, and promote rational thinking.

One of Phule’s major literary works, Gulamgiri (Slavery), directly challenged Brahminical supremacy and called for the empowerment of oppressed communities.

Impact Through Powerful Quotes and Ideals

Phule’s words continue to resonate through time, motivating social movements and guiding thoughts on equality, education, and justice. Here are some of his most thought-provoking quotes and slogans:

• "Without education, wisdom is lost; without wisdom, morals are lost; without morals, progress is lost."

• "Educate a man, you educate one individual. Educate a woman, you educate an entire family."

• "True unity can only be achieved when oppressive traditions are discarded and equality is embraced by all sections of society."

• "Do not justify wrongdoing in the name of good work."

• "Women and men are equal from birth and deserve the same rights and opportunities."

• "Let every village have schools for Shudras, led by teachers from among them—not Brahmin schoolmasters."

• "A nation cannot prosper unless all its people, including tribals, Shudras, and marginalised groups, are educated and empowered."

• "Temples worship lifeless stones, while ignoring the divine in humanity—this is the deception of caste supremacy."

• "Discrimination in food and marriage customs blocks the growth of nationalism in India."

• "The religion of cruelty must be renounced before any real unity or progress can occur."

Continuing His Mission Today

Jyotirao Phule’s vision laid the foundation for many social justice movements that followed. His relentless pursuit of equality, education for all, and opposition to caste and gender bias continue to influence Indian society.

As India celebrates Mahatma Phule Jayanti in 2025, it's a moment to reflect on his legacy and commit to the values he championed—justice, education, and equal rights for all.