Mumbai to Host National Seminar on Mahatma Jyotirao Phule’s 200th Birth Anniversary

Mumbai is set to host a national seminar dedicated to the life, ideas, and social reform legacy of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule as the country marks his 200th birth anniversary.

Seminar to Explore Phule’s Ideas and Social Reform Legacy

The Centre for Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS) and the College of Social Work (Empowered Autonomous), Nirmala Niketan, Mumbai, will organize a one-day national seminar on October 16 at the Nirmala Niketan campus in Churchgate.

Titled “Jyotirao Phule’s Vision and Contemporary India: Revisiting Equality, Justice and Social Transformation,” the seminar will bring together scholars and participants to discuss the continued relevance of Phule’s social and intellectual ideas.

The program will focus on several important themes connected to Mahatma Jyotirao Phule’s work, including equality, justice, rational thinking, social reform, religion, and the rights of marginalized communities.

Discussions on Religion, Rationality and Social Change

The first thematic session will examine Phule’s views on religion, rationality, and social reform. Discussions will look at his criticism of religious orthodoxy, his emphasis on rational thinking, and the importance of developing a questioning and critical approach to social issues.

The session will also explore the relevance of Satyashodhak thought in contemporary India and how Phule’s ideas on social transformation can be understood in the context of present-day society.

Focus on Rights of Marginalized Communities

The second thematic session will focus on the rights and experiences of marginalized communities. Topics will include social exclusion, access to resources, rights-based development, and community empowerment.

The discussions are expected to provide an opportunity to examine how Phule’s emphasis on equality and social justice continues to inform conversations about inclusive development and equal opportunities.

Organizers Announce Seminar Committee

Advocate Irfan Engineer and Dr. Lidwin Dias will serve as patrons of the national seminar, while Dr. Sandhya Mhatre will be the convener.

The organizing committee includes Dr. Saman Afroz, Dr. Sameer Mohite, Dr. Virochan Raote, Neha Dabhade, and Farhat Khan.

Scholars, researchers, students, and other interested participants can contact the organizers for further information and participation details at csss.mumbai@gmail.com or nn@cswnn.edu.in.