Government of India Launches Nationwide Two-Year Commemoration of the 200th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule from 11th April 2026 to 11th April 2028

In his Independence Day speech of 15 August 2025, the Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi had said:

"In the very near future, we will be marking the 200th birth anniversary of the great social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. We are going to begin the celebrations for this anniversary. Mahatma Jyotiba Phule's principles and the mantras he gave us carry inspiration for us - the mantra of "priority to the backward." By giving priority to the backward, we want to reach the heights of transformation. We want to put in our utmost effort for this. Through transparent policies, we wish to make "priority to the backward" a reality on the ground, bringing it into the life of every backward person."

Taking inspiration from this announcement, the Government of India has commenced the nationwide Commemoration of the 200th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule through a two-year-long celebration starting from 11 April 2026 to 11 April 2028. The commemoration has been approved by the National Implementation Committee (NIC) under the chairmanship of the Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, vide its approval dated 6 April 2026.

The nationwide commemoration was formally launched today (11 April 2026) through an inaugural programme organised by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment under the Inter-State Cultural Diversity Programme titled "Phule Across India" at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), New Delhi. The programme was designed as a national cultural confluence showcasing India's diversity through region-wise thematic presentations inspired by the life, philosophy, and social reform movements of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule.

As part of the inaugural programme, the Ministry of Culture presented a specially curated announcement film, marking the formal commencement of the two-year-long commemoration across the country. The film highlights the enduring contributions of Mahatma Phule towards social justice, education, women empowerment, and equality, and sets the tone for nationwide participation in the commemorative activities. The announcement film is available for viewing and download at the following Google Drive link or QR code:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eWaQ_Dzm--XS74LD_u4DgaaSpqyCeFqj?usp=sharing

To guide and oversee the commemoration at the national level, the Government of India has constituted a High-Level Committee under the chairmanship of the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, comprising 126 Members. The Committee includes a wide spectrum of dignitaries and eminent personalities, including former Presidents, former Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior officials, academicians, jurists, spiritual leaders, cultural figures, and social activists, reflecting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

The High-Level Committee will provide policy direction and guidance for formulation and implementation of programmes for the commemoration. It will approve policies, plans and programmes, supervise and guide the commemorative activities, and decide the broad framework and timelines for the celebrations.

The commemoration will be organised across the country through a series of programmes and activities involving Central Ministries, State Governments, educational institutions, cultural organisations, and civil society. These will include cultural programmes, exhibitions, seminars, youth engagement initiatives, academic discussions, and outreach activities aimed at disseminating the life, ideas, and enduring legacy of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule.

Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (1827-1890) was a pioneering social reformer who dedicated his life to the upliftment of the marginalized and the promotion of education and social equality. His efforts in advancing women's education, challenging social discrimination, and advocating justice laid the foundation for progressive social reform movements in India.

The two-year-long commemoration seeks to celebrate his legacy in a befitting manner and to inspire citizens, particularly the youth, to carry forward his ideals of equality, education, and social justice.

Click here for the HLC List

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M Annadurai