Pune Celebrates Jyotiba Phule Jayanti: VBA Protests Film Cuts, 10,000 Kg Misal Served As Punekars & Politicians Join Festivities – WATCH VIDEOS & PHOTOS HERE

Hundreds of followers of Jyotirao Phule thronged Mahatma Phule Wada in Pune's Ganj Peth area on his birth anniversary to pay tribute to the notable social reformer, recalling his towering contribution to social justice and empowering the downtrodden on Friday.

Situated in the Ganj Peth area of Pune, Phule Wada was once the abode of visionary reformers Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule. It was built in 1852 and has been converted into a museum with photographs of Mahatma Phule and Savitribai. It was illuminated with lighting on the occasion.

As part of the celebration at Phule Wada, the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti Committee organised a program for the free distribution of "misal pav."

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar also enjoyed misal at Phule Wada.

Jogeshwari Misal cooked the 10,000 kg misal on the occasion.

On the occasion, many politicians showed their presence, including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Minister Chandrakant Patil, Supriya Sule, Chhagan Bhujbal, Laxman Hake, Murlidhar Mohol, Prakash Ambedkar, Hemant Rasne, PMC Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale, Harshwardhan Sakpal, and many others.

Ajit Pawar on the occasion said, "We want to move forward following the example of this great man Jyotirao Phule. Regarding Bhide Wada, we need to acquire nearby land and make a good memorial. I have spoken to the Pune Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale. The land and houses of people we are going to take should be rehabilitated in a good way. We are trying to make it an inspiring memorial. There is no reason to bring politics into this. Most of the people here have agreed to provide their land. The next birth anniversary must show a big difference compared to the previous one. We will talk to Bhujbal Saheb and other officials. A financial budget has been decided."

Chhagan Bhujbal expressed, "Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has approved a fund of ₹200 crore for Bhide Wada. Eknath Shinde has sanctioned ₹100 crore to start the work. But the work has not started yet. I urge the government to start the work of Bhide Wada in fast-track mode soon. Don’t make us protest. Start the work on the historical monument too. People are ready to give space."

He further said, "Instead of opposing the cinema made on Phules, let's understand the history of that time. I request everyone with folded hands, don’t oppose the cinema; let this film be released soon, and let the work of Mahatma Phule and Savitribai go around the world."

"It is unfortunate that we are forgetting this history. Not only Brahmins but some of us also opposed Phule, but many Brahmins helped Phule. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had said that you should know history; without history, you cannot create the future. The fight of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule was not against Brahmins. It was against superstition; it was against Brahminism. Some people are opposing Phule’s film, but the people who made the film are saying that they have presented the truth — only what was written".

Protest by VBA

Meanwhile, Prakash Ambedkar, along with VBA workers, protested at Phule Wada and said that the film should be released without any cuts.

Phules

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was a renowned Indian social activist, reformer, and writer from Maharashtra. Born on April 11, 1827, in Satara, Maharashtra, he is best known for his tireless efforts to eradicate the caste system, promote women's education, and empower the oppressed.

He, along with his followers, formed the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Seekers of Truth) to attain equal rights for peasants and people from lower castes.

Phule is regarded as an important figure in Maharashtra's social reform movement. He and his wife, Savitribai Phule, were pioneers of women’s education in India.

The release of the much-anticipated film Phule, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, has been delayed by two weeks. Initially slated for release this Friday, the film has reportedly been postponed following directives from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). According to sources, the CBFC has asked the filmmakers to revise and delete certain dialogues and scenes before its theatrical release. Key changes include the removal of a voiceover referencing the caste system of Manu Maharaj and terms such as 'Mang', 'Mahar', and 'Peshwai'. Additionally, a scene showing a man carrying a broom must be replaced with boys throwing cow dung at Savitribai Phule.

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