Jyothiba 187th birth anniversary celebrated

Tirupati: Noted social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was remembered on his 187th birth anniversary by politicians, officials and caste associations' leaders here on Thursday. The political leaders from all parties paid floral tributes to Phule by garlanding his statue in Balaji Colony. TTD observed his birth anniversary at the administrative building.

TTD executive officer LV Subramanyam said that Jyotirao Phule was a great social reformer and revolutionary who established number of educational institutions at rural level when the caste discrimination was prevalent widely in society. He had set up the educational institutions with an aim to uplift the suppressed communities, he said. Architect of Indian Constitution Dr BR Ambedkar himself treated Jyotirao as teacher, the EO said. He asked all the TTD staff to practice equality in day to day life by taking inspiration from Jyothiba.

TTD Joint EO P Venkatrami Reddy said that Jyothiba was the first persons to bring social reforms for second marriage of widow and education to women community.

P Paramasivan, Chairman, JAC of SC and ST Associations said that Jyothiba fought a lot to eradicate caste discrimination in society and went a step ahead by providing educational opportunities to oppressed masses and women especially. He identified the need for education to all when the literacy rate was only three per cent.

Leaders from Congress, TDP, YSRCP and other parties paid floral tributes by garlanding and remembered him. Students and youth associations also participated in the celebrations.

Tributes paid to Mahatma Phule Anantapur: Minister for Primary Education Sake Sailajanath has garlanded the statue of noted social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule at the local Sangameshwar Circle on his 187th birth anniversary. The 187th birth anniversary celebrations were organised under the auspice of the district BC welfare leaders here on Thursday. Later, the Education Minister cut a cake and paid glowing tributes to him.

Speaking on the occasion, Sake Sailajanath lauded Phule's contribution for the uplift of under privileged castes as remarkable. He strived for the eradication of the economic disparities in the society. Phule is an inspiration for the present generation of people, he said.

Anantapur Parliament Member Anantha Venkatrami Reddy said that Phule sacrificed his life to ensure education reached all the sections of the society. Jyotirao Phule, along with his wife, had initiated the 'women education' movement in the country, he said.

District Collector V Durga Das stated that Jyotirao Phule's birth anniversary is being celebrated as a State festival. Phule worked for the social uplift and welfare of women from backward castes by educating them. MLC Shamantakamani also spoke at the programme.

District Collector V Durga Das has extended his good wishes to the people of the district on the occasion of Ugadi, Vijayanama Telugu New Year. He released the Telugu Panchangam 2013-14 jointly designed by HMTV and The Hans India at the Collector Camp Office here on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, he lauded the Panchangam designed by The Hans India. He wished that this Ugadi brings peace, prosperity, good health and happiness to the people. The Hans India Advertisements Manager Srinivas Rao and other officials were present on the occasion.

Phule Jayanti at Vignan school Jammalamadugu (Kadapa): Congress party district secretary Chandramouli said Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was a great scholar. He spoke at the noted social reformer Phule's 187th birth anniversary celebrations held at the local Vignan school here on Thursday. Chandramouli lauded Jyotirao Phule for bringing light into the lives of downtrodden and backward communities. Everyone should walk in his footsteps and strive to create a better society, he said. Later, he presented cheques to some loom workers. Several leaders were present at the programme.