126th Death Anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule: Few facts about the Social Reformer

November 28, 2016: It's the 126th death anniversary of social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. Jyotirao Phule. Here are a few of the facts you would like to know about him:

• Jyotirao Phule was born in Satara district of Maharashtra. His father was a vegetable vendor, Govindrao his mother's name was Chimana.

NewsGram brings to you latest new stories in India

• Phule understood the importance of education and felt that the society will remain in darkness if each and every individual doesn't get a proper education.

• In 1848, he gave a shape to his aspirations and started the first ever school for girls.

• He, who educated his wife asked her to teach the girls and since she shared the same idealistic beliefs as her husband gladly agreed to do so.

• The society was however not ready to accept it. Phule and his wife were forced to leave their house.

Go to NewsGram and check out news related to political current issues

• In 1851, he opened up a bigger girls' school and for girls of all castes, religions, and sections of the society. He too started teaching there.

• He was also against child-marriage and believed in widow remarriage, but these initiatives were unaccepted by the orthodox community.

• He also strongly opposed untouchability. He and his wife always open-heartedly welcomed the so-called lower caste people. This made the people of their own caste angry, but it never bothered them.

• In 1873, Jyotirao Phule established the 'Satya Shodhak Samaj'. Its main aim was to liberate the so-called lower castes from all kinds of exploitation.

• Jyotirao Phule tried his best to create a society based on equality and unity.

• In May 1888, Rao Bahadur Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar, the great reformer from Mumbai gave Jyotirao Phule the title of "Mahatma" for his selfless services to humanity.

Look for latest news from India in NewsGram

• In July 1888, he suffered a paralytic stroke. He suffered from ill health for the next couple of years and died in November 1890, surrounded by family and friends.

– by Pinaz Kazi of NewsGram. Twitter: @PinazKazi