Lucknow, April 11 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday paid rich tributes to social reformer Jyotiba Phule on his birth anniversary, describing him as the powerful voice of the marginalized.
Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak also paid their respects on X.
In a post on X in Hindi, Adityanath said, "A humble tribute to the birth anniversary of the great social reformer and the powerful voice of the exploited and the marginalized – Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. He taught us that society progresses only when every individual receives education, dignity and opportunity. His struggles ignited a new light in the lives of millions."
"Let us resolve to build an egalitarian and enlightened society by carrying forward his ideals," Adityanath said.
Deputy Chief Minister Maurya described Phule as a great social reformer and educator.
"The struggle he waged for education, equality and social justice served as the very cornerstone for the upliftment of Indian society. His life was dedicated to securing rights for the deprived, the exploited and women, which continues to inspire us to be conscious and empathetic even today," he said.
His progressive ideas and efforts toward social reform will continue to inspire people, Maurya said.
Deputy Chief Minister Pathak said, "I pay my humble tributes to the great social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule ji on his birth anniversary, who dedicated his entire life to the upliftment of the deprived people and the education of girls."
Born on April 11, 1827, in Maharashtra, Phule advocated equality for all. He also fought for women's rights and established schools for girls. He died on November 28, 1890.