**Executive Summary**
The Government of India has launched year-long celebrations from April 2026 to April 2027 to commemorate the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. Following an announcement by the Prime Minister in August 2025, a National Commemorative Programme was held on 11 April 2026 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Center, New Delhi. The initiative aims to spread awareness of Phule’s contributions to education and social justice through nationwide activities coordinated by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Commemoration Overview**
* The event marks the formal start of a bicentenary celebration spanning April 2026 to April 2027.
* The programme was organized by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
* The initiative fulfills a commitment made by the Prime Minister on Independence Day, 2025.
**Core Themes and Objectives**
* **Education and Equality:** Emphasis on Phule’s legacy as a visionary educator and champion of the oppressed.
* **Inclusive Development:** Focus on ensuring accessibility, dignity, and social justice for all sections of society.
* **Academic Engagement:** Promotion of research and scholarship to disseminate Phule’s intellectual and social contributions.
**Programme Elements**
* The event featured thematic deliberations, academic engagements, and cultural elements reflecting Phule’s mission.
* Participants included eminent dignitaries, academicians, policymakers, and students from across India.
* Key speakers highlighted the continuing relevance of social reform in building an empowered India.
**Impact Analysis**
**Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF)**
**Impact**
Acting as the nodal agency, the DAF is responsible for the leadership and execution of the bicentenary celebrations.
**Action Required**
The foundation must coordinate nationwide programmes involving various stakeholders to ensure meaningful participation throughout the commemorative year.
**Universities and Research Institutions**
**Impact**
These institutions are identified as critical hubs for intellectual engagement and the dissemination of Phule's ideologies.
**Action Required**
They are expected to engage in research, scholarship, and academic activities that highlight the academic and social contributions of Mahatma Phule.
**Marginalized Communities and Youth**
**Impact**
These groups are the primary focus of awareness campaigns regarding education, equality, and social empowerment.
**Action Required**
They are encouraged to participate in nationwide activities and thematic programmes designed to spread awareness of Phule’s enduring legacy.
Key Entities Referenced
National Commemorative Programme on the 200th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule: A year-long nationwide initiative (April 2026 – April 2027) aimed at spreading awareness about the social reformer’s contributions to education, social justice, and marginalized communities.
Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF): The nodal agency under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment responsible for coordinating nationwide commemorations involving universities, research institutions, and civil society.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment: The primary central ministry overseeing the implementation of the bicentenary celebrations and the activities of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.
Dr. Virendra Kumar: Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment and Chairman of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, who officiated the commencement of the national commemorative event.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
National Commemorative Programme on the
200th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba
Phule held at Dr. Ambedkar International Center
Posted On: 11 APR 2026 8:47PM by PIB Delhi
In pursuance of the announcement made by the Prime Minister from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the
occasion of Independence Day, 15 August 2025, the Government of India is commemorating the 200th
Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule through year-long celebrations from April 2026 to April
2027.
As part of these nationwide commemorations, the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF), Ministry of Social
Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, organised a National Commemorative Programme on 11
April 2026 at Bhim Hall, Dr. Ambedkar International Center (DAIC), New Delhi.
The programme witnessed the presence of eminent dignitaries, academicians, policymakers, and students
from across the country, marking a significant beginning to the bicentenary celebrations of one of India’s
greatest social reformers.
The event was graced by Dr. Virendra Kumar, Hon’bleMinister of Social Justice & Empowerment and
chairman Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF), as the Chief Guest, who highlighted Mahatma Phule’s
pioneering role as a visionary educator and champion of the oppressed, and reiterated the Government’s
commitment to advancing the ideals of education, equality, and social justice.Shri Sudhansh Pant, IAS, Secretary, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, in his address,
emphasized the transformative power of education as envisioned by Mahatma Phule and its continuing
relevance in building an inclusive and empowered India. He also underlined the role of the Ministry and
Dr. Ambedkar Foundation in carrying forward the legacy of social reform.
Ms. V. Vidyavathi, IAS, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, spoke on
inclusive development and the importance of ensuring accessibility and dignity for all sections of society,
in line with Phule’s vision of equality.
Prof. S.K. Chahal, In-charge Chair Professor, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Chair, Kurukshetra University,
delivered insights into the academic and intellectual contributions of Mahatma Phule and stressed the
importance of research and scholarship in disseminating his ideas.
Shri Shailendra Kumar, Member Secretary, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, given the vote of thanks.The programme also featured thematic deliberations, academic engagement, and cultural elements
reflecting the life and mission of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule as a social reformer, visionary educator, and
advocate of equality.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by the Shri Shailendra Kumar, Member Secretary,
Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, participants, and all stakeholders for
their valuable presence and contribution to the successful conduct of the programme.
The event marked the formal commencement of year-long activities across the country aimed at spreading
awareness about Mahatma Phule’s enduring contributions to education, social justice, and empowerment
of marginalized communities.
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, as the nodal agency, will continue to coordinate nationwide programmes
involving universities, research institutions, civil society, and youth to ensure meaningful participation in
the bicentenary celebrations.
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KV /SM/HK
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