Mahatma Jyotirao Phule the pioneer of women education

On Nov 23, 2018

NP NEWS 24 ONLINE- Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was the first leader who worked for the development of the neglected part (backward class) of the society and tried to bring them into the mainstream of society. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar considered him as Guru. His work is great, so it is necessary to spread his thoughts in society. So, Shouldn’t we know everything about his work? Let us know a few things about him.

Phule’s contribution to education:

Mahatma Phule was the man, who started women’s education first time in India. He started schools for girls and children backwards who belongs from backward classes of the society. He believed in equality and tried to educate both men and women. According to him, education is the only way of freedom.

Phule used to tell, ‘lack of education’ is the main reason behind the backwardness of schedule class people. Not only this, he had demanded free education to the children of the age group of 12 years in the middle of the 19th Century. In addition, he used to say, ‘emphasis should be on integrity, ethics, intelligence in education.’ From this, we understand, he never wanted only mockery type education, but he focused on how education can develop good human.

Women empowerment:

In entire life, he tried for bringing women into the mainstream of society. While doing this, he thought about the women of all community, as he also gave support to upper caste women. He strongly believes that women are at always gives less important despite their cast.

He taught his wife Savitribai first and then started educating girls and orphanage for widows’ children. He also got a widow’s marriage. The first Indian woman teacher Savitribai Phule was with him for entire life.

Phule’s religious view :

According to him, all religions are created by human beings, not by God. Four classes (Chaturvarn) is also the creation of humans. He called religion as ‘Satyadharma’ and ‘Truth’ is the religion of all. He also opposes the priests of the temple. He says, ‘Sarvsakshi Jagatapati, tyas nakoch madhyasthi’.

Just as there is no need of anyone to meet our parents. Similarly, there is no need for a priest to please God. Mahatma Phule had established a ‘Satyashodhak Samaj’ to reform society. Phule believed that faith or religion is personal things.