Mon Mar 24 11:11:41 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra Assembly Unanimously Recommends Bharat Ratna for Phule Couple
**Mumbai, March 24, 2025** – The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly today unanimously passed a resolution urging the central government to posthumously award the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, to social reformers Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule.
The resolution, moved by Minister Jaykumar Raval and supported by members across party lines, including NCP MLA Chhagan Bhujbal and Congress’s Vijay Wadetiwar, recognizes the couple’s pioneering work in education and social reform. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the significance of the “Mahatma” title bestowed upon Jyotirao Phule, stating that the Bharat Ratna would be a fitting recognition of his and Savitribai’s contributions to the state and nation. He noted that only two individuals have held this revered title – Mahatma Gandhi and Mahatma Phule.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed his delight at the unanimous passage of the resolution, emphasizing that honoring the Phules with the Bharat Ratna would reflect public sentiment and enhance the prestige of the award. He praised their establishment of the first girls’ school in Pune, which opened doors to education for women and laid the groundwork for their significant contributions across various fields today. Pawar highlighted the transformative impact of the Phules’ work on underprivileged and marginalized communities.
The resolution underscores Maharashtra’s commitment to progressive values and reform.
First Piper 