BHARAT RATNA for Smt. Savitribai & Mahatma Jyotirao Phule

MAHATMA JYOTIRAO PHULE occupies a unique position among the social reformers of Maharashtra in the nineteenth century. While other reformers concentrated more on reforming the social institutions of family and marriage with special emphasis on the status and rights of women, Jotirao Phule revolted against the unjust caste system under which million of people had suffered for centuries. In particular, he courageously upheld the cause of the untouchables and took up the cudgels for the poorer peasants. He was a militant advocate of their rights. The story of his stormy life is an inspiring saga of a continuous struggle, which he waged relentlessly against the forces of reaction. It is only in recent decades that there is increasing appreciation of his service and sacrifice in uplifting the masses.

In those days there was a conflict between the rationalist and the orthodox. His period can, therefore, be a aptly described as the dawn of revolution in the history not only of Maharashtra but of the country as a whole in the various fields like Education, Caste Systems, Agriculture, Economics, Women and widow upliftment, Human Rights, untouchability ,Social Equality.


Today, women have secured several top posts and are playing an important role in the development of the society. All of this has been due to the efforts made by SAVITRIBAI PHULE, one of India’s foremost educationalist and social activists. Savitribai’s work in the field of education and her contribution to the Satya Shodhak Movement (a movement to bring about awareness about religion) is known. She was instrumental in making life better for women. She worked for widow rehabilitation, child welfare and tried to bring about social and economic reform for the oppressed and laboring classes.

With the support of Mahatma Phule, she started a school for girls in the pre-independence period when girls were kept away from education. She had to face the wrath of the community for her social work. During the plague, she was involved in the aiding and helping those affected. Her contribution to society is unparalleled.

Savitribai and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule has played an important part in the future development of the country. Considering the extraordinary work they have done, they should be honored with India's highest civilian award, the BHARAT RATNA. Ideally, they should have got this award earlier itself.