THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Ramesh Chander
The writer is A Retired Career Diplomat.
I am not a movie buff and as such is not much interested in movies. Some of my friends invited me to come and see the movie at some of the specially screened shows. I could not say no to one such show with my friend Prem Shant as we happened to be together near the venue of the film show at the GRD Cinemas after a friendly birthday breakfast hosted by one of our common friends, Amarjit Singh. It was a good experience after a long time to see a movie in a theatre. Thanks to Prem.
The film Phule aimed to depict a movement in India that called for the creation of a new social order in which no one would be subordinated on the basis of caste and sex. It also picked up the issues of social reform and education to the women folk. These issues are as relevant today as these were before during the times of the hero and heroine of the biopic film on Jyotibarao Phule and Savitribai Phule, a worthy couple and children of the soil of Bharat. The film has also brought out and rightly so yet another aspect of the Indian society, friendship and harmony among the Hindus and Muslims. Joytiba Phule and Savitribai PhuIe were shunted out of the family because their untraditional behaviour and conduct as against the Hindu ethos. It as one of their friends from the Muslim community who not only gave them shelter but also worked with them in the realization of their ideals for social reform and empowerment of dalits and women folk. It is a matter of great satisfaction that their worthy follower, Babasaheb Ambedkar picked up the threads and carried forward the caravan of the Phule Couple through the Constitution of India and otherwise too.
Jyotirao Phule (1927-1890), was born in Satara District in 1827 to a family that belonged to the Hindu Mali caste, a Shudra in terms of Manuwadi segregation. Jyotiba Phule fought for women’s rights. Believing that education was essential to bringing about social change, he established schools for girls and for children of lower castes. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was known for his powerful and impactful slogans that promoted social reform and equality. One of his key slogans was “Education is the key to liberation”. Other notable slogans included “Know your rights, stand up for them” and “Do not discriminate based on caste”. He also emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation, and slogans like “If someone cooperates, don’t turn your back on them” From this, one can easily make out that the Phule Couple was total dedicated to reform the society and empower the women folk and the under-privileged. No wonder, the leaders like Babasaheb Ambedkar and Babu Kanshi Ram chose to follow the footsteps of Savitribai and Jyotiba Phule to emancipate the Indian society.
It was gratifying to note that the special screening of the film was arranged by some Phule-Ambedkar Mission activists led by Paramjit Jassal of Bulanpur among others for the school children of rural based schools. It was a good initiative to educate children and ward them off the social ills of the society. I was wondering as to why the governments are so oblivious of these needs and exempt such social films from the entertainment tax. Rather the educational administrators should advise all educational institution to arrange shows of the film for the benefit of the young minds, the future of India.
It is a good and motivative movie of about two hours, a worth watching. The Phule film has been directed by a known film maker, Ananth Mahadevan in which the roles of Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule have been played by Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha respectively.
Long live Joytiba Phule and Savitribai Phule.
