In Yeola, a group from Maharashtra’s Nation Service Club marked the centenary of Mahatma Jotirao Phule with a launch that linked the social reformer’s book Shetkarayacha Asud to the pressing issue of farmer suicides. The event, held at Dr. Jagannath Vani Hall in the Kharnbadhir School for the Hearing Impaired, was organised by the club’s Yeola branch.
Representatives of the club stated that if every farmer in Maharashtra read Phule’s text, suicides linked to agricultural distress would surely decline. The announcement was made while inaugurating the Mahatta Phule Duijnymshatabdi Campaign, a year‑long initiative aimed at celebrating Phule’s legacy.
The ceremony was presided over by former regional chief Professor Arjun Kokate of the Nation Service Club. The opening speech highlighted Phule’s multifaceted role as a social reformer, progressive farmer, successful businessman, and visionary thinker. Architectural projects such as the Kabharana Dam, Katarg Infill Tunnel, and Yerwada Jail were cited as evidence of his expertise. Phule’s emphasis on water’s importance for farming led him to challenge the prevailing system of his time.
During the launch, the club also paid tribute to Sahib Sahib Bhashan and Sanyoshi of the Satyajit Sadasya Mahachar. They recalled Phule’s efforts to discover Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s samadhi, celebrate Shiv Jayanti, promote women’s education, and oppose harmful widow‑mourning customs like Keshrapan.
To mark the centenary, a committee of 21 workers was formed, with a goal of organising at least 100 talks throughout the year in Yeola city and its surrounding talukas. Said speakers included Principal Dr. Bhausebah Game, Professor Dr. Ajay Vibhadi, Ajit Shek, Nanasahbes Pingle, Professor Janardan Dhange, Navnath Shinde, and poet Kavita Jalte.
The host of the event, Dinakar Daane, facilitated the program, which ended with a pledge to spread Phule’s teachings across Maharashtra’s rural landscape.
Source: https://agrowon.esakal.com/agro-special/phules-ideas-still-relevant-farmers-issues-today-ssp-25