Page 8 - NIS ENGLISH 1-15 May, 2026

SPECIAL | Prime Minister’s article

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule

India’s Divine Guiding Light

This year, on April 11, the 200th birth anniversary celebrations
of the great social reformer, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, started. To
mark this special occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned
an article, sharing how Mahatma Phule continues to serve as
a beacon of inspiration for countless people even today, and
how his emphasis on education, knowledge, and public welfare
remains profoundly relevant in our contemporary times...

Narendra Modi ahatma Phule was a great reformer. In addition to that, his was a life of
Prime Minister Mmoral courage, restless enquiry and unshakable commitment to social
good. Mahatma Phule is remembered for the institutions he built and the
movements he led. At the same time, his contribution to our civilisational
journey lies in the hope he aroused, the confidence he instilled and the
strength his thoughts continue to give to millions of people across the nation.
Born in the great state of Maharashtra in 1827, Mahatma Phule
emerged from modest beginnings. But his initial hardships never stood
in the way of his learning, his courage or his commitment to society. This
From his very is a trait that remained with him forever: whatever the challenges may
childhood, Mahatma be, one must work hard, acquire knowledge and mitigate those challeng-
Phule was deeply es instead of doing nothing about it. From his school days, young Jyotirao

inquisitive and was deeply curious and became a voracious reader, often reading books
far beyond what children his age were expected to engage with. Years
read far more later, he said, “The more questions we generate, the more knowledge
books than other emerges from them.” Clearly, the spirit of enquiry he was blessed with
children his age. He since his childhood remained constant in his journey.
Throughout his life, learning and education became central to
used to say, “ The Mahatma Phule’s mission. He recognised with rare clarity that knowl-
more questions we edge is not a privilege to be guarded, but a force to be shared. At a time
generate, the more when the joys of learning were denied to many, he opened pioneering
knowledge emerges schools for girls and for those kept out of formal education. He used
to say, “Any improvement that comes in children through mothers is
from them.” deeply valuable. Therefore, if schools are to be opened, they should first
be opened for girls.” He worked to create a new social imagination in
which the classroom became an instrument of justice and equality.
His vision for education inspires us greatly. Over the last decade, we
have worked to make research and innovation a cornerstone for the
Scan the QR code to read
the Prime Minister’s article. youth of India. Efforts are being made to create an ecosystem where
young minds are encouraged to question, explore and innovate. By

6 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || May 01-15, 2026