Jyotirao Phule
- Jyotirao Phule was born on April 11, 1827. He was a pioneering social reformer who opposed caste hierarchies and championed the rights of Dalits and women.
- In collaboration with Savitribai Phule, he opened India’s first school for girls in 1848.
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- Furthermore, in 1855, he established night schools in Pune for workers, farmers, and women.
- In 1873, he founded the Satyashodhak Samaj to combat caste discrimination and promote equality.
- In his book Gulamgiri, he drew a parallel between the caste oppression prevalent in India and the institution of slavery in America.
- He advocated for the provision of compulsory education and economic empowerment for oppressed communities.
- In 1888, he was honored with the title “Mahatma” by Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar.
