New Delhi, April 11 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and numerous parliamentarians honored Mahatma Jyotirao Phule by laying floral tributes at the Parliament Complex on Saturday in celebration of his birth anniversary.

Among those who paid their respects were Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Rajya Sabha J.P. Nadda, and Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal.

Jyotirao Phule was a prominent 19th-century social reformer in India who fiercely advocated for women's education and the empowerment of oppressed communities. He established the Satyashodhak Samaj to foster equality, education, and social justice.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi paid heartfelt tributes to Phule in a post on X, referring to him as a visionary reformer who dedicated his life to the principles of equality, justice, and education.

Launching the celebrations for his 200th birth anniversary, the Prime Minister remarked that Phule's philosophy continues to influence society's quest for advancement and empowerment.

In his post on X, PM Modi stated, "On the birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, I pay homage to a visionary social reformer who committed his life to equality, justice, and education. He was also a trailblazer for women's and marginalized rights. His advocacy made education a vital tool for empowerment. This year marks the commencement of his 200th birth anniversary celebrations. May his ideas continue to inspire everyone in their journey towards social progress."

Additionally, he shared a blog titled 'Mahatma Jyotirao Phule: A Light That Still Shows India the Way', underscoring that Phule's focus on education, learning, and the welfare of all remains pertinent in contemporary society.

In his blog, PM Modi expressed, "Today, April 11, is a profoundly significant day for us. It marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, one of India's most revered social reformers and a beacon of hope for generations. This year's observance is especially meaningful as we initiate his 200th birth anniversary celebrations."

He further noted that Phule's life exemplified moral courage, relentless inquiry, and an unwavering dedication to social welfare.

"His legacy is not just in the institutions he founded and the movements he led, but also in the hope he inspired and the confidence he instilled in millions," the Prime Minister remarked.