New Delhi, April 11 Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi paid tributes to social reformer Jyotirao Phule on his 199th birth anniversary and said his struggle against discrimination and inequality showed the nation the path towards equality and justice.
Phule was born on April 11, 1827, in Maharashtra and died on November 28, 1890.
"On the birth anniversary of the great social reformer, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, I offer my humble salutations to him.
"He dedicated his entire life to protecting the rights and entitlements of the marginalised. His struggle against discrimination and inequality showed the nation the path to equality and justice," Gandhi said in a post on X.
He said Phule's ideals and thoughts will forever continue to inspire us to move forward towards social justice.
The leader of opposition in Lok Sabha also paid floral tributes to Phule at Prerna Sthal, Parliament House Complex.
Congress president Kharge said Phule dedicated his entire life to establishing 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, Kharge said.
"On the birth anniversary of such a great social reformer, brilliant thinker, and source of inspiration for all of us, Mahatma Phule ji, we offer him millions of salutations and humble tribute," he said in his post on X.
The Congress in a post on X said, "Remembering Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, a pioneer of social justice who fought against caste discrimination, championed women's education, and empowered the marginalised."
"His vision of equality and dignity continues to inspire generations towards a more just society," the party said.