KU hosts national seminar on legacy of Jyotirao Phule

A two-day national seminar titled “Towards Satyadharma: Appraising Jyotirao Phule, His Reformation Movement and Legacies” commenced at Kurukshetra University (KU) on Monday. The seminar is being organised by the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Chair, Department of History, KU, and is sponsored by the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), New Delhi.

Delivering the presidential address at the inaugural session, KU Vice Chancellor Prof Som Nath Sachdeva described Jyotirao Phule as a visionary social reformer who dedicated his life to fighting injustice and promoting equality. “His thoughts strengthened the deprived,” he said, adding that Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj and played a significant role in the struggle against caste discrimination, women’s empowerment and expanding education among the marginalised sections of society.

Padma Shri awardee and Emeritus Professor Raghuvendra Tanwar, chairman of the ICHR, New Delhi, was the chief guest for the event. He remarked, “Historians did not give Jyotirao Phule his due place. His vision of an egalitarian and inclusive society laid the foundation of many social reform movements in India.”

The keynote speaker, Prof Umesh Bagade, highlighted the enduring impact of Phule’s life and mission. “Jyotirao Phule’s life and legacy remind us of the power of compassion, resilience and unwavering pursuit of justice,” he said.

Prof Hitender Patel of Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, who attended as guest of honour, noted that Phule’s work laid the foundation for India’s journey toward social justice. “His contribution is the basis of India’s march toward equality and progress,” he said.