Phule strove for women empowerment: Bojjala

Chittoor: Minister for Environment and Forests Bojjala Gopalakrishna Reddy said that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been following the footsteps of Mahatma Jyothirao Pule for the uplift of oppressed.

The Minister participated in 190th birth anniversary celebrations of Jyothirao Pule organised here on Monday.

Addressing a meeting held at Ambedkar Bhavan here, Bojjala recalled the great services rendered by Jyothirao Phule in realising the importance of education among women in those days. He said Phule fought for eradication of social evils like child marriages. The Minister stated that the State government has been performing the birth anniversary of Jyothirao Phule as an official function.

The Minister said that the State government had allocated Rs 10,000 crore in budget for development of backward classes. He stated that the TDP government’s agenda is empowerment of women as it had introduced several welfare schemes for them with the inspiration from Jyothirao Phule.

Bojjala gave a call for girl students, who are studying in the social welfare hostels, to take active role in eradication of social evils in the society. He said that instructions were given to the District BC Welfare Officer to provide training in two-wheeler driving to the girl students of the social welfare hostels apart from imparting training in dancing. Later, the Minister enlisted various welfare schemes being implemented by the TDP government for the benefit of the backward and weaker sections.

Chittoor MP Dr N Sivaprasad said that the Chief Minister has been making efforts to protect the interests of backward classes. He said Pule is an inspiration to all communities including BCs.

Tirupati: TTD EO Dr D Sambasiva Rao called upon the employees of TTD to get inspiration from the lives of great personalities like Jyothirao Phule, Jagjivan Ram, Ambedkar, Gandhiji and others and try to enliven their ideals by executing duties with responsibility.

In his address at the 190th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyothirao Phule oganised by TTD here on Monday, the EO recalled the services of Phule and eulogised him as social reformer, thinker and an activist, who led movements for emancipation of women and seeking equality of all in the society.

“Mere conduct of birth and death anniversaries is not a tribute to such great personalities. We should perform our duties like Jyothirao Phule, who fought for women empowerment and commenced first ever exclusive school for girls some 190 years ago, TTD is also committed to develop women education in its institutions,” he added.

JEO P Bhaskar made a brief account of Phule’s life and how he stood for the cause of social equality by waging war against the blind customs and practices that existed during those days.

Speakers Sasam Yadagiri, senior journalist and Phule Memorial Samithi Convenor Murthy, Assistant Engineer of Panchayat Raj Dinakar and others, who spoke, said the Jyothirao Phule inspired even Dr BR Ambedkar and Gandhiji. They said Phule strongly felt that illiteracy is the main cause of social discrimination prevalent in the society.

“He commenced education from his house with his wife Savitribai Phule and made her the first teacher of the country and also established first school for girls,” they added. In the conclusion, the speech by Samitha, accompanied by Supriya in the guise of Savitribai Phule attracted the audience.

Meanwhile, various organisations including political parties and leaders paid rich tributes to Phule on the occasion of his birth anniversary. At a commemorative function held in Southern Power Distribution Company Limited’s (SPDCL) corporate office, Chairman and Managing Director HY Dora said everyone should follow the footsteps of the great people like Phule and work for the development of the society. He along with a host of officials paid floral tributes to the portrait of Phule.

The Congress activists led by party State secretary Asok Samrat Yadav garlanded Phule statue at Balaji Colony Circle in Tirupati. Speaking on the occasion, Yadav said Phule life long fought against superstitions and unfounded beliefs affecting the progress of the society and struggle for women rights and equality in the society.

Republican Party of India (RPI) state president P Anjaiah after paying floral tributes to the statue of Phule here called for a renewed fight to end the atrocities on down trodden which is continuing even after 70 years of Independence.