SATYA SHODHAK SAMAJ

History

About Satya Sodhak Samaj

Foundation: Established by Jyotirao Phule on 24^th September 1873, to promote social reform.
Objectives
- To liberate Shudras and Atishudras from social, cultural and economic bondage to priests, moneylenders, etc.
- It sought to eliminate the necessity of priests in religious and cultural practices.
- It aimed to create job opportunities for educated Shudras and Atishudras in administration.
- It encouraged education among the oppressed classes so they could read and understand religious texts that exploited them.
- It fostered a sense of solidarity among lower castes for achieving common goals.
Growth: Expanded rapidly in urban, semi-urban and rural areas of Maharashtra within a decade, with open membership for all.

Born: Born in Pune in a Mali family, he witnessed caste-based oppression during the Peshwa rule.
He directly confronted the Hindu religion which provided a religious and spiritual basis for the caste system.
Educational Initiatives
- Alongside his wife, Savitribai Phule, established several educational institutions, including the first school for girls.
- He criticized the trickle-down theory of education and argued that it would not work in India due to historical inequities in educational access.
He is recognized as the first creator of the vision of modern India for his movements promoting freedom and equality for all.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar regarded him as a guru, alongside Buddha and Kabir.
Literary Contributions: Authored books such as Gulamgiri (1873) to investigate popular myths and raise awareness against superstitions, priesthood, and caste discrimination.
Other Significant Writings
- Third Gem (Play) - 1855
- Ballad of Chhatrapati Shivaji - 1869
- The Deceit of Brahmins - 1869
- Slavery - 1873
- The Farmer's Whip - 1883
- The Condition of Untouchables - 1885
- Public Book of True Religion - 1889
- Suitable Hymns and Worship Methods for the Satya Sodhak Samaj - 1887
- Various Poetic Compositions

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule