President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders joined a function here in Samvidhan Sabha to celebrate the 199th birth anniversary of social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. Several State governments too held programmes to remember Phule.

Ms. Murmu, after paying tributes to Phule, said the reformer devoted his life to the upliftment of marginalised communities. Born on April 11, 1827, in Katgun village of Satara district in Maharashtra, Phule is known for his contributions to the society, particularly for educating women in marginalised classes. He died on November 28, 1890.

“Mahatma Jyotirao Phule devoted his life to the upliftment of marginalised communities. He made significant contributions to the advancement of women’s education, leaving a lasting legacy of social reform and inclusion,” Ms. Murmu said.

Mr. Modi and Mr. Gandhi engaged in a brief conversation, evoking keen interest in political circles and social media. Both the leaders are pitched in an intense political fight, especially during the ongoing Assembly elections. The duo spoke when Mr. Modi arrived to pay floral tributes at the statue of Phule on Parliament premises with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Minister J. P. Nadda and other dignitaries.

Mr. Modi and Mr. Gandhi engaged in a brief conversation, evoking keen interest in political circles and social media. Both the leaders are pitched in an intense political fight, especially during the ongoing Assembly elections. The duo spoke when Mr. Modi arrived to pay floral tributes at the statue of Phule on Parliament premises with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Minister J. P. Nadda and other dignitaries.

Mr. Modi said Phule was a visionary social reformer who dedicated his life to the ideals of equality, justice and education. “He was also a pioneer in championing the rights of women and the marginalised. Through his efforts, education became a powerful instrument of empowerment,” he added. “This year, we mark the start of his 200th birth anniversary celebrations. May his thoughts continue to guide everyone in the pursuit of societal progress,” Mr. Modi said.

Mr. Gandhi said Phule dedicated his entire life to protect the rights and entitlements of the marginalised. “His struggle against discrimination and inequality showed the nation the path to equality and justice. His ideals and thoughts will forever continue to inspire us to move forward towards social justice,” he said.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said Phule established social justice and recalled his words that “no one should tolerate injustice, whether it is against oneself or against anyone else”. “Phule waged a powerful struggle against caste discrimination, social evils, and superstitions, and awakened society to the ideals of equality and women’s empowerment,” Mr. Kharge said.

Several State Governments celebrated Phule’s birth anniversary. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said Phule and Savitribai Phule were invaluable heritage of the society. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Phule had advocated free and compulsory education in 1882 and laid the foundation for the present-day Right to Education Act.

In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said Phule remains a lasting inspiration. Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati said Phule is renowned as the great grandfather of social change in the country and was born into the ‘Bahujan samaj’ within the extremely backward classes.