Mahatma Jyotirao Govindrao Phule

Born: 11 April 1827

Died: 28 November 1890

• He also known as Jyotiba Phule, was an Indian social activist, thinker, anti-caste social reformer and writer from Maharashtra.
• His work extended to many fields including eradication of untouchability and the caste system, and women’s emancipation.
• He is mostly known for his efforts in educating women and lower caste people.
• He and his wife, Savitribai Phule, were pioneers of women education in India.
• He started his first school for girls in 1848 in Pune at Tatyasaheb Bhide’s residence or Bhidewada.
• On 24 September 1873, he, along with his followers, he formed the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Seekers of Truth) to attain equal rights for people from lower castes.
• People from all religions and castes could become a part of this association which worked for the upliftment of the oppressed classes.
• He is regarded as an important figure in the social reform movement in Lagrange.
• His social activism included many fields including eradication of untouchability and the caste system, education of women and the dalits, and welfare of down trodden women.

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