हमारे महापुरुष (अंक 11): Jyotiba Phule: Pioneer of Social Reform and Champion of Equality in Bharat

 

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, numerous social and religious reformers worked tirelessly to awaken Bharatiya society. Jyotiba Phule stood out for his fight against the caste system.

 

Known simply as Jyotiba, he challenged the practices of untouchability and caste-based discrimination. His unwavering efforts left a lasting legacy as a fearless social reformer in Bharatiya history.

 

Before Mahatma Gandhi rose to prominence, another remarkable figure emerged. Phule dedicated himself to combating caste discrimination, untouchability, and illiteracy while advocating for farmers and women's rights.

 

The 19th century saw Bharatiya society grappling with superstitions and new ideas. In this challenging environment, Jyotiba Govindrao Phule was born in Maharashtra, shaping his reformist vision.

 

For centuries, Bharat has faced untouchability, caste discrimination, and gender inequality. Jyotiba devoted his life to tackling these challenges, inspiring generations to fight for social justice.

 

 

 

His dedication earned him the title of "Mahatma" on May 11, 1888, conferred by activist Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar. Phule led a movement to liberate marginalized communities from caste oppression.

 

Mahatma Phule championed girls' education and pioneered women's rights in Bharat. He founded the first Hindu orphanage for needy children and worked alongside his wife, Savitri Phule.

 

Savitri Phule became Bharat's first female teacher, empowering countless women. His influence extended to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, who regarded Phule as an inspiration for his social justice efforts.

 

Born on April 11, 1827, into the Mali caste of gardeners, Phule’s childhood was marked by hardship. His father, Govindrao, was a farmer and flower vendor in Poona.

 

His mother, Chimanabai, passed away during his youth. Despite being a bright student, financial struggles forced Phule to leave school and work on his family’s farm.

 

A neighbor recognized his potential and convinced his father to let him continue his education. He enrolled in Scottish Mission High School in Poona in 1841 and graduated in 1847.

 

 

 

At 13, he married Savitribai, who was uneducated at the time. Jyotiba taught her to read and write, and together they worked tirelessly for social reform.

 

Phule's journey mirrors Mahatma Gandhi’s experiences. Just as Gandhi fought apartheid in Africa, Phule dedicated his life to combating caste-based discrimination in Bharat.

 

A pivotal moment came in 1848 when he attended an upper-caste friend's wedding. Insulted due to his caste, Phule vowed to challenge caste oppression.

 

Jyotiba Phule championed girls' education and women's rights. He founded Bharat’s first Hindu orphanage and played a crucial role in challenging the rigid caste system.

 

Influenced by Thomas Paine's The Rights of Man, Phule believed education for women and lower castes was essential to eradicating social evils and economic inequalities.

 

 

 

At the time, girls and women were often denied education. To promote equality, Phule and Savitri opened Pune’s first indigenous school for girls in 1848.

 

The school welcomed girls from various religions and backgrounds. When Jyotiba couldn’t find a teacher, he taught Savitri, who became the school’s first teacher.

 

By 1852, Phule had established three schools. He criticized British educational policies, advocating for vocational training and practical knowledge to address poverty and dropout rates.

 

Unfortunately, all schools closed in 1858 due to financial constraints following the Revolt of 1857. Despite setbacks, Phule and his wife continued their mission for equality.

 

Understanding widows’ struggles, Phule founded an ashram for young widows and supported widow remarriage. Patriarchal norms often denied women basic rights and forced them into social isolation.

 

Distressed by their plight, Phule established an orphanage in 1854 to protect vulnerable children. In 1863, he opened a center for pregnant widows to provide safe childbirth options.

 

To uplift lower-caste individuals, Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Seekers of Truth) in 1873. The movement welcomed people from all backgrounds, challenging caste-based discrimination.

 

Phule served as President, while Savitri led the women’s department. The Samaj emphasized education, encouraged inter-caste marriages, and promoted rational thinking against orthodox traditions.

 

One of Phule’s main goals was to unite oppressed communities. The Samaj opposed idol worship, rejected caste hierarchy, and encouraged direct relationships with God without priestly mediation.

 

 

Chhatrapati Shahu, the Maratha ruler of Kolhapur, supported the Samaj. By 1876, it had grown to 316 members and expanded its influence throughout Maharashtra.

 

That same year, Phule opened his water well to everyone, symbolizing his commitment to equality. He authored 16 books, significantly raising awareness among oppressed communities.

 

In 1873, Phule published Gulamgiri (Slavery), dedicating it to the African-American abolitionist movement. Other major works include Tritiya Ratna (1855) and Shetkarayacha Aasud (1881).

 

In January 1877, Phule launched Deenbandhu, a Marathi weekly newspaper advocating for the rights of farmers, laborers, and marginalized communities against caste oppression.

 

Besides activism, Phule was a businessman. By 1882, he identified as a merchant, cultivator, and municipal contractor, owning 60 acres of farmland near Pune.

 

As an innovative farmer, he promoted sugarcane and vegetable farming while debunking myths about foreign crops. Despite profits, he reinvested earnings into social reforms.

 

In 1882, the British government appointed the Hunter Commission to review Bharat’s education system. Phule advocated for compulsory primary education and universal learning for the lowest strata of society.

 

From 1876 to 1882, Phule served in Pune municipality, advocating for clean water, fair trade policies, and worker rights while resisting exploitative urban beautification projects.

 

He pioneered employee bonuses and labor rights, co-founding the Bombay Mill Hands Association with Narayan Meghaji Lokhande to fight for fair wages and better working conditions.

 

On November 28, 1890, Jyotiba Phule passed away. His wife, Savitribai, and his followers continued his work through the Satyashodhak Samaj, ensuring his legacy endured.

 

Phule dedicated his entire life and income to social work. His influence extended beyond his time, inspiring leaders like Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar in the fight for equality.

 

His relentless efforts against discrimination remain relevant today. Phule’s commitment to justice and equality continues to inspire generations striving for a fair and just society.