Council deputy chief seeks Bharat Ratna for Phule

 andhrapradesh | Written by : Suryaa Desk Updated: Wed, Apr 12, 2017, 11:34 AM

Tributes paid to the social reformer at various places in the State recalling his efforts for the uplift of the downtrodden


Demanding that the highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna should be conferred on Mahatma Jyothirao Phule, Deputy Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council Reddi Subrahmanyam on Tuesday said ensuring equal rights to all the deprived would be the true homage to the social reformer.


Addressing the 191st birth anniversary of the late Phule, organised by the government at the Amebdkar Bhavan here, Mr. Subrahmanyam said it was the need of the hour for the youngsters to follow in the footsteps of Phule in spreading knowledge.


Collector H. Arun Kumar said the birth anniversaries of Babu Jagjivan Ram, Jyothirao Phule and B.R. Ambedkar fell in April and hence the month was so special for those who had a penchant for equality and social justice. He said a series of programmes were being implemented by the government for the welfare and uplift of the weaker sections and in East Godavari district social welfare hostels were being built for students.


Joint Collector J. Radhakrishna Murthy, Zilla Parisahd chairman Namana Rambabu and others were present.


Earlier in the day, the officials and elected representatives garlanded the statue of Phule and offered floral tributes. Political parties, trade unions and educational institutions observed the birth anniversary in their respective premises.


TDP committed to BCs’ welfare


Srikakulam Staff Reporter adds:


Minister for Energy and TDP-AP president Kala Venkata Rao on Tuesday said the TDP had been able to garner the support of the Backward Classes for the last 30 years as the party was sincerely striving for their uplift. He hoped that the party would continue to get their support in future.


Mr. Venkata Rao was the chief guest at the birth anniversary celebrations of Jyotirao Phule in Bapuji Kalamandir here.


Earlier, he interacted with senior officials including Srikakulam Revenue Divisional Officer B. Dayanidhi. He asked them to speed up land acquisition for the construction of power projects in the district


'Inspiring personality'


Tirupati Staff Reporter adds:


People of Tirupati recalled the services rendered by social activist Jyothiba Phule in bettering the lives of the backward communities, on his birth anniversary on Tuesday. The statue of Phule at the Balaji Colony Circle was drowned in garlands adorned by various political and apolitical outfits.


Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Executive Officer D. Sambasiva Rao participated in the celebrations held at their administrative office and called him an 'inspiring personality' and hailed him for his efforts to eradicate untouchability and encouraging women’s education.


Joint Executive Officer P. Bhaskar also recalled the life history of Phule and the Satyasodhak Samaj founded by him. TTD employee leaders, who spoke on the occasion, vowed to serve the pilgrims with dedication by drawing inspiration from Phule's life.


“Phule believed in reaching out the fruits of development to the common man,” said BJP's OBC Morcha president Jalli Madhusudhan at the party's celebrations. The TNSF cadre led by district president R. Ananda Goud hailed Phule for bridging gaps in society and ushering in equality.