Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis marked the 195th birth anniversary of social reformer Savitribai Phule by initiating a grand memorial project at her birthplace. The ceremony took place on Saturday in Naigaon, located in the Khandala tehsil of Satara district.
A Long-Awaited Tribute to a Pioneering Educator
The site, identified as the birthplace of India's first woman educator back in 1993, has finally moved towards getting a fitting tribute. The state government has approved an ambitious plan worth Rs 143 crore for the memorial's construction. Out of this total, the state has sanctioned Rs 110 crore. The comprehensive project will not only be a memorial but will also house a skills training centre dedicated to empowering women.
To complete the envisioned memorial, there is a requirement for an additional two acres of land. This land is currently under the possession of the state tourism department and needs to be officially transferred for the project.
Honouring the Phule Legacy of Social Reform
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Fadnavis reflected on the era of disparity and casteism that the Phules bravely challenged. "There was a time when society witnessed disparity, casteism and irrationality, and there was improper treatment, especially of women. In such times, the Phules took up the task of educating women. They helped women get the right to education," Fadnavis stated.
He connected this historical legacy to current government initiatives. "We are following the same path. Therefore, we gave the name of Savitribai Phule to the scheme under which government waived the college fees of girl students. Now we are making our sisters ‘Lakhpati Didi'; around 1 crore Lakhpati Didis will be made in one year," the Chief Minister added.
Plans for Jyotiba Phule Memorial and Pune's Phulewada
The government also has plans to develop a grand memorial for Mahatma Jyotiba Phule at his native place, Katgun, where a smaller memorial currently exists. The event was attended by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal.
Minister Bhujbal emphasized the need to expedite the slowed-down work on the Phulewada memorial in Pune. This location is historically significant as it is where the Phules started the first school for girls. Bhujbal also highlighted that the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule will be celebrated across the nation on April 11, 2027.
The foundation-laying ceremony signifies a major step in preserving and honouring the monumental contributions of Savitribai and Jyotiba Phule towards education and social equality in India.
