Associates of Mahatma Phule

Savitribai Phule

Being the wife of Mahatma Jotirao Phule, Savitribai played a revolutionary role as an unorthodox mother, midwife & a devoted teacher. She enjoys the privilege of being the first lady teacher in India. She stood shoulder to shoulder with her progressive & revolutionary husband Mahatma Jotirao Phule, championing the cause of social & educational uplift of the downtrodden, untouchables & the destitute. She had to face several difficulties, odds & anguish at the hands of the then orthodox people. Nevertheless she was a kind, compassionate, determined and courageous lady who brought drastic and revolutionary changes in society at large. She was the Chairperson of the Satyashodhak Samaj, the society which was devoted to the cause of truth finding and the welfare of the masses (1893).

Hari Raoji Chiplunkar

He was a friend and co-worker of Mahatma Jotirao Phule, who not only extended help to Mahatma Phule in the field of education and social work, but also provided financial aid for undertaking social activities.

Bhau Kondaji Patil Dumbre

As envisaged by the Satyashodhak Samaj, Bhau Kondaji Patil Dumbre played a pivotal role in organizing socially segregated, economically deprived people and the farmers on a large scale at Junner and Otur in Pune district and other places in Maharashtra. On the lines of Mahatma Phule, Dumbre Patil carried out various social activities and agitations for the enlightenment of masses and social justice.

Ramchandra Vithoba Dhamnskar

As a co-worker and friend, Ramchandra Dhamnskar, helped Mahatma Phule in organizing and carrying out programmes for the welfare of the masses. He helped in getting financial support from Sayajirao Gaikwad of Baroda, (the chief of the princely state in British India) during the terminal illness of Mahatma Jotirao Phule. He also started a newspaper (Baroda Vestal) for awaking and enlightening the masses.

Narayan Rao Lokhande

As a pioneer of the labor movement in India, Narayan Rao Lokhande worked for the uplift of the unorganized laborers in the factories and mills. He also made efforts to end the communal riots between the Hindus and Muslims in the (then) Bombay.

Dr. Santuji Laad

He is considered as a prominent leader of the Satyashodhak Samaj, who worked whole heartedly for the uplift of the lower classes and helped Jotirao in carrying out social reforms.

Krishnajirao Bhalekar

A colleague and friend of Jotirao Phule. He started a boarding school for students in order to impart ' Quality Education'. Despite several financial constraints, he started a newspaper which continued for a long time. This newspaper helped in awakening the ignorant masses. He was not only a good orator but also a prolific writer. His contribution in the fields of education and journalism have become a milestone in the field of social reformation in Maharashtra. Through the newspaper and other writings and speeches, he redressed the grievances of the farmers and helped them in finding out solutions to their daily problems and worries throughout his life.

Dr. Vishram Ramji Ghole
Being an active social worker and a revolutionary Dr. Vishram Ramji Ghole played a dominant role in organizing and implementing various social activities as part of the Satyashodhak Samaj. He was a skilled and devoted surgeon, who was appointed as the honorary assistant surgeon for the Viceroy. During the terminal illness of Jotirao Phule, Dr. Ghole extended his helping hand.

Tukaram Tatya Padwal
Influenced by the ideology of Satyashodhak Samaj, Tukaram Tatya Padwal actively participated in the Social reformatory movements of Mahatma Jotirao Phule. His contribution to the cause of social justice is tremendous. He was a writer of 'Jatibhed Viveksar' (discrimination of castes : Analysis) which was published by Mahatma Phule himself.
Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad : He was the chief of the princely state of Baroda. He generously donated funds for the social activities of Mahatma Jotirao Phule and Satyashodhak Samaj. He championed the cause of eradication of untouchables and social injustice.

Mama Paramanad

As a devoted soldier of social justice, Mama Paramanad whole heartedly extended his co-operation to Mahatma Phule for the reformation activities. He was considered a political teacher (Rishi) of the then Bombay.
Dr. Shiwappa : He was charitable and generously arranged for community meals (Annasatra) for the victims of famine.
Rev. Murray Mitchell : A missionary who unfailingly & courteously helped in imparting education especially to the girls and untouchables in and around Pune.

Deorao Thosar

As a noble friend of Mahatma Jotirao Phule, Deorao Thosar was a correspondent for Jotirao's schools. He also helped in the betterment and well being of the underprivileged classes.

Ramsheth Urawane

As a co - worker and a treasurer of the Satyashodhak Samaj, Ramsheth helped Mahatma Phule in organizing social activities and imparting education.

G. B. Walangkar

After giving up his job in the infantry regiment, G. B. Walangkar visited the localities of the untouchables and inspired the bright youth to participate in social movements. He guided the youth to become active and revolutionary social workers. He became a writer and orator due to Mahatma Jotirao Phule's inspiration and guidance.

Bhau Mansaram Naik

He arranged an elocution competition for the youth in which he discussed the cause of famine and its aftermath, and the reasons why the downtrodden become the first and the last victims of hunger. He was an active and devoted member of the Satyashodhak Samaj .

Moro Vitthal Walvekar

He was an old friend of Jotirao Phule and helped Jotirao in opening a school for the untouchables and in running a maternity home (sutikagraha) as part of welfare programme for women. He made an effort to redress the grievances of the masses by persuading the British government due to which he acquired status and became popular in society.

Lahuji Vastad Salve

Jotirao received physical fitness training in the gymnasium of Lahuji Vastad Salve, who himself was an expert in wrestling and athletics. Along with Ranoji Mahar, his contemporary, Lahuji Vastad Salve became successful in persuading the untouchables to send their children to schools; and made them aware of the importance of education in life. He unflinchingly supported Jotirao Phule in the face of adversities in undertaking social work.

Govind Ganpat Kale

He was not only a social activist but also a writer for Jotirao Phule. He made a significant contribution to the field of the 'co-operative' sector.

Sadashivrao Gowande

He was not only a school friend of Jotirao Phule, but also a devoted co-worker of Mahatma Jotirao Phule. The seeds of social enlightenment and social education were sown in the mind of Sadashivrao in his school days.

Yashwantrao Phule

Being an adopted son of Jotirao Phule, Yashwantrao became one with the social work of his father. Yashwantrao was a medical practitioner by profession. He was philanthropic in his attitude, good in nature and was a man of high moral character.

Ganaram Bhau Mhaske

He was a contemporary of Mahatma Jotirao Phule. He founded an educational institute for the socially and economically deprived castes in India. He was also a renowned lawyer in those days.

Vyanku Baloji Kalewar

He was a renowned professional contractor who erected buildings of various types. He was not only a member of the Satyashodhak Samaj but also founded a school and constructed a reading room for Telugu readers.

Source

Mahatma Phule Samagra Wangamay – Maharashtra Rajya Sahitya Aani
Sanskrity Mandal, Maharashtra, Mumbai, revised 5th ed., edited by
Y. D. Phadke., 28th November 1991.
Dr. Baba Adhav. President, Mahatma Phule Samata Pratishthan, Pune.
Shri Hari Narke. Member Secretary, Mahatma Phule Aani Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Charitra Sadhane Prakashan Samiti, Maharashtra State, Mumbai.