The national president of the BCY Party, Bode Ramachandra Yadav, has issued a strong appeal to the central government, demanding the conferment of India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, on Savitribai Phule. He highlighted the historic injustice in failing to formally honour the pioneering social reformer and the nation's first woman teacher, whose work in education transformed millions of lives.
Nationwide Campaign and State Response
Ramachandra Yadav made these remarks while attending the Savitribai Phule birth anniversary celebrations and a best teachers' awards ceremony in Vijayawada. The event was organised by the Guruchaitanya Teachers' Association at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram, where he served as the chief guest and felicitated outstanding educators.
He recalled that the BCY Party launched a campaign for this cause last year, which sparked a nationwide debate. In a significant move, the Maharashtra government unanimously passed a resolution in the state assembly supporting the demand and forwarded it to the Centre. Yadav appreciated this initiative, stating it reflected the state's respect for Phule's legacy.
Criticism of Telugu States' Silence
However, Yadav expressed deep disappointment over the silence of the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments. He pointed out that despite many leaders in the Telugu states having been inspired by Savitribai Phule's ideals and her emphasis on education, no similar resolutions have been passed to acknowledge her contributions formally. He labelled such indifference as unacceptable.
He asserted that it is the government's responsibility to officially organise birth anniversary events for the reformer. Her portrait should be garlanded in schools and government offices, and her sacrifices remembered through official programmes. Leaving commemorations solely to social organisations and political parties, while failing to recognise those efforts, shows arrogance from the ruling establishments, he alleged.
Call for Education Reforms and Teacher Support
Beyond the award demand, Ramachandra Yadav stressed the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the education system. He noted that teachers face numerous challenges and require stronger institutional support. Assuring continued backing, he said the BCY Party would remain at the forefront of struggles to protect teachers' rights and strengthen the education system. He praised the work of the Guruchaitanya Teachers' Association and reaffirmed the party's solidarity with the teaching community.
