Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 13: 196th birth anniversary of great social reformer, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was celebrated by J&K OBC Ekta Sangthan at Vishwakarma Temple Complex, Gurha Bakshi Nagar Jammu.
The celebration function was held under the chairmanship of Sardar Lakhbir Singh Labana while Brig Vijay Sagar Dheman was chief guest on the occasion. OBC people from every nook and comer participated and deliberated on the life history of Mahatma Phule.
The programme began with garlanding of a portrait of Mahatma Jyotirao and paying tribute to the great social reformer.
Sardar Lakhbir Singh Labana threw light on the life history of Jyotirao Govindrao Phule, who was born in Maharashtra in 1827 and belonged to the “Mali” caste which is recognized as OBC today. Mahatma Jyotirao was highly motivated by Thomas Paine’s well-known book, “The Rights of Man” and observed that the only way to tackle social evils was to educate women and members of lower castes.
Kuldeep Chalotra also threw light on life and contributions of Mahatma Phule as well as his wife Savitribai Phule.
On this occasion, Balwant Kataria presented copies of Phule’s book, “Gulamgiri” to the dignitaries present there. He informed that the word “Dalits” was initially used by Jyotirao Phule to refer to those from backward classes.
Chief guest, in his concluding remarks, said that Phule laid foundation of social revolution in India and eventually served as an inspiration for individuals like Dr B R Ambedkar. He quoted the important saying of Mahatma Phule that: “Without education, wisdom was lost; without wisdom, morals were lost, without morals, development was lost; without development, wealth was lost, without wealth, the Shudras were ruined; so much has happened through lack of education.”
The proceedings were conducted by Joginder Angotra, incharge Shree Vishwakarma Library New Plot Jammu. The other prominent members who spoke on the occasion include F C Satia (Prez AIBCF); Prof Kalidas (Convenor AIBCU); Raj Kumar Chalotra (Vice Prez Vishwakarma Sabha), Rajinder Sikka (Prez Sain Samaj Sabha), Mohan Lal, Ramesh Billa, Mukhtyar Kalia (Prez Bazigar Sabha), Bansi Lal Choudhary (Convenor All Indla OBC Mahasabha); Sunil Kumar & Vijay Kumar Manhas, Rakesh Chalotra, Ashok Bhatti, Naresh Kumar, Manohar Lal, Bharat Bhushan, Rakesh Kumar, Sub Gurmukh Singh, Capt Rashpal Singh Labana, Rakesh Kumar, Ashok Bhatti, Raj Kumar Chalotra, Madan Chalotra, Mulkh Raj, Ashok Jogi, Rajesh Kumar and Ramesh Angotra.
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