Jyotirao Govindrao Phule (1827–1890) was a pioneering social reformer, thinker, and anti-caste activist from Pune.
He is widely regarded as a champion of social justice, who worked tirelessly for:
- Abolition of caste discrimination
- Women’s education
- Upliftment of marginalized communities
He is popularly known as “Mahatma Phule
Major Contributions of Jyotiba Phule:
Pioneer of Women’s Education in India
- Opened the first girls’ school in India (1848, Pune)
- His wife Savitribai Phule became India’s first female teacher
- Promoted education for widows and oppressed classes
Establishment of Satyashodhak Samaj (1873)
Founded Satyashodhak Samaj Objective:
- Promote truth and social justice
- Reject caste hierarchy
- Provide equal rights to lower castes.
- Caste Equality: He was among the first to use the term “Dalit” to describe the oppressed classes outside the varna system.
- Women’s Welfare: Established Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha (1863) to prevent female infanticide and provide shelter to pregnant widows.
Important Works of Jyotiba Phule
- Gulamgiri (Slavery) – Critique of caste oppression
- Shetkaryacha Asud – Focus on farmer exploitation
- Sarvajanik Satya Dharma – Social philosophy
Title:
- Bestowed the title “Mahatma” on May 11, 1888, by social activist Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar
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