 Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 29: A commemorative event was organized in Jammu to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, a pioneering educator and social reformer. The gathering was chaired by Madan Lal Chalotra, Chairman of the OBC Department of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), with prominent leaders including Darshan Mehra, General Secretary of the OBC Department JKPCC, Jagdish Kashyap, Joint Secretary of the OBC Department JKPCC, Mohinder Verma, President of Vishwakarma Sabha New Plot Unit, and Congress leaders Balwant Katria, Rajan Kashyap, Shusheel Panday, and Joginder Verma in attendance.
The event paid tribute to Phule’s monumental contributions to social reform, particularly in the field of education. Phule, born in 1827, was a visionary who fought against social inequalities and worked towards the upliftment of marginalized communities. He is celebrated for founding the first school for girls in Pune in 1848, challenging the social norms that barred women from education. Additionally, Phule established the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873, aiming to liberate the oppressed from social and economic exploitation.
Speakers at the event, including Balwant Kataria, emphasized Phule’s advocacy for women’s and lower-caste communities’ rights. His writings, particularly “Gulamgiri” (Slavery), highlighted the caste-based discrimination and called for urgent social reforms.
Madan Lal Chalotra, in his speech, underscored the relevance of Phule’s teachings, especially in the context of Jammu and Kashmir, where marginalized communities continue to face challenges. He emphasized the importance of education in empowering individuals and communities, echoing Phule’s vision of creating an enlightened society based on justice and equality. |
