A special lecture on ‘Jyotiba Phule’s contribution to Social Reforms and Women Empowerment’ held at Central University of Punjab
Bathinda : To commemorate the death anniversary of one of the great social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda (CUPB) organized a special lecture on the theme ‘Jyotiba Phule’s Contribution to Social Reforms and Women Empowerment’. The keynote speaker of this programme was Dr. Seema Mathur, Department of Political Science, Kalindi College, Delhi University.
While addressing the participants, Dr. Seema Mathur presented the detailed biographical and social work profile of Mahatma Phule. She mentioned that Jyotirao Govindrao Phule was one of the greatest social reformer, thinker, writer, and philanthropist. Jyotirao Phule’s struggle to attain education and his rejoining of educational training at Scottish Mission High School was also detailed to the participants. The speaker stated that despite of the constraint of belonging to one of the backward communities, Jyotiba Phule kept the torch high for social equality and worked for the eradication of social evils like untouchability, sati system, and the caste system.
It was also shared that, Mahatma Phule was also a strong believer of gender equality, which is visible in the efforts through which he made it possible for her wife Savitribai Phule to attain education and become the first female teacher in India. Savitribai Phule who became the champion of modern education in India, also worked hand-in-hands with Mahatma Phule for ensuring education to women and oppressed caste people by opening several schools. Dr. Seema Mathur highlighted that Jyotiba Phule was a champion of widow remarriage and contributed towards women empowerment. He established an orphanage to reduce the rate of infanticide (killing of unwanted children). Phule also established the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Seekers of Truth) in 1873 to liberate the depressed groups and promote rational thinking in the society. For his works and social reforms even Gandhi Ji called him as a true Mahatama.
In his presidential address, Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, the Vice Chancellor of Central University of Punjab, stated that the views of Jyotiba Phule inspired many including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the nation builder and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, to work towards ensuring of equal opportunities and social justice to all. He appealed to the youngsters to learn from the philosophy of great social thinkers and create an equitable and inclusive society based on reason and rationality to contribute towards the goals of Vishwa Bandhutva and Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah.
Dr. Vinod Arya, the programme coordinator, expressed his gratitude towards the esteemed speaker and gave a formal vote of thanks. Faculty, scholars, and students from different states and educational institutions participated in this programme.