New Delhi, April 11 (NationPress) Mayawati, the National President of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), honored the legacy of Jyotiba Phule on his birth anniversary, recognizing him as the 'Grandfather of Social Change' and a trailblazer in the realms of social justice and education.

In a post shared on social media platform X, Mayawati expressed her heartfelt tributes and deep respect for Phule, who emerged from the severely marginalized segments of the Bahujan Samaj.

"Today, on his birth anniversary, I — on behalf of myself and the BSP — extend my humble respects and significant tributes to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, known throughout the nation as the 'Grandfather of Social Change,' who hailed from the Extremely Backward Classes within the Bahujan Samaj," she stated.

She underscored that Phule, alongside his wife Savitribai Phule, significantly contributed to the upliftment of women through educational initiatives.

"The names of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule are forever inscribed in the annals of history as champions of women's empowerment through education. In the words of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule: 'Without knowledge, wisdom is lost; without wisdom, ethics are lost. Without ethics, progress is lost; without progress, wealth is lost. Without wealth, the Shudra becomes despondent and contemptible, remaining enslaved,'" she quoted.

Mayawati also highlighted how Phule’s principles inspired Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who later emphasized education as a crucial tool for social reform.

"This transformation was born from the absence of education, and that is why the revered Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar later placed significant focus on education," she explained.

In her remarks, she pointed out Phule's efforts in the 19th century, which sparked social awareness not only in Pune but across Maharashtra, especially in the context of women's liberation.

"Phule's relentless pursuit for the liberation of the Dalits and the oppressed ignited a wave of social change across Maharashtra, particularly pertaining to women's empowerment — a struggle deserving of endless recognition," she remarked.

Mayawati further mentioned that her administration in Uttar Pradesh had initiated several measures to commemorate Phule's legacy, including renaming Amroha district as Jyotiba Phule Nagar.

"In tribute to this great figure from the most backwaOBC society, my BSP government executed numerous initiatives here in UP, such as rebranding Amroha as Jyotiba Phule Nagar; however, the SP government reverted its name due to their narrow-minded politics, casteist animosity, and similar issues," she lamented.

She further explained that multiple districts like Kanshiram Nagar, Ramabai Nagar, Bhimnagar, Prabuddha Nagar, and Panchsheel Nagar were also renamed by her government, but their names were subsequently altered by the following administration, a situation she deemed "deeply regrettable."

"It is significant that, along with establishing Kasganj as Kanshiram Nagar district, the BSP government initiated new districts named Ramabai Nagar for Kanpur Dehat, Bhimnagar for Sambhal, Prabuddha Nagar for Shamli, and Panchsheel Nagar for Hapur; the SP government retained these districts but changed their names — a truly lamentable act: a demonstration of their deceitful tactics, character, and true nature," she concluded.