The ‘Tika Utsav,’ otherwise known as the vaccination festival, was recently in the news as it kicked off on the birthday of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule (April 11) and ran until the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar on April 14, 2021. The purpose of this four-day festival was to vaccinate as many individuals from the priority groups as possible, with a strong focus on preventing Covid-19 vaccine wastage.
Jyotirao Phule: A Snapshot of His Life
Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, born on April 11, 1827, in present-day Maharashtra, was a well-known Indian social activist, thinker, anti-caste social reformer, and writer. Belonging to the Mali caste of gardeners and vegetable farmers, Phule, also known as Jyotiba Phule, attended the Scottish Missionary High School in Pune, completing his education in 1841.
Phule’s Ideology and Influences
Enlightenment of women and the lower castes were the primary solutions proposed by Phule to combat social wrongs. He developed an ideology centered on liberty, egalitarianism, and socialism, greatly influenced by Thomas Paine’s book, The Rights of Man.
Major Contributions of Jyotirao Phule
Jyotirao made significant contributions to Marathi literature. His major publications include Tritiya Ratna (1855), Powada: Chatrapati Shivajiraje Bhosle Yancha (1869), Gulamgiri (1873), and Shetkarayacha Aasud (1881).
Satyashodhak Samaj and Social Reforms
In an attempt to ensure equal social and economic benefits for the lower castes in Maharashtra, Phule established the Satyashodhak Samaj (Seekers of Truth) along with his followers in 1873. Additionally, he served as a commissioner to the Poona municipality from 1873 until 1883.
Jyotirao Phule: The Title of Mahatma and Social Reforms
On May 11, 1888, Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar, a Maharashtrian social activist, bestowed the title of ‘Mahatma’ upon Phule. He, along with his wife Savitribai, established the first indigenously run school for girls in Pune after teaching her to read and write in 1848. He was a strong believer in gender equality and showcased this belief by integrating his wife into his social reform activities.
Phule’s Advocacy for Widow Rights
Understanding the deplorable conditions faced by widows, Phule founded an ashram for young widows and advocated vehemently for the concept of widow remarriage.
Jyotirao Phule’s Crusade against Caste Discrimination
A fierce opponent of caste discrimination, Jyotirao criticized the orthodox Brahmins and upper castes, labeling them as “hypocrites.” In 1868, he built a public bathing tank outside his residence to demonstrate his inclusive attitude towards all people, regardless of their caste. His campaigns ignited the spark that led influential leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi to campaign against caste discrimination.
Phule’s Legacy
Phule, who is credited with first using the term ‘Dalit’ to represent oppressed masses often marginalized by the ‘varna system,’ dedicated his life to eradicating untouchability and the caste system in Maharashtra. He passed away on November 28, 1890, but his memory lives on at his memorial located in Phule Wada, Pune, Maharashtra.
