Members of the Senior Citizens' Association and local leaders, including Corporator Nandini Dhinde and former Deputy Mayor Siddharth Dhinde, pay tribute to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule at Datta Rickshaw Stand Chowk, Yerwada, to mark the start of his historic 200th birth anniversary year.

Mahatma Phule’s Bicentenary Year Kickoff in Yerwada

Pune : The 200th birth anniversary of the iconic social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule was celebrated with immense fervor on Saturday morning at Datta Rickshaw Stand Chowk, Samta Nagar. Organized by the Senior Citizens’ Association of the Maharashtra Housing Board colony, the event officially inaugurated the bicentenary year of the “Krantisurya.” To mark the festive start of the year-long commemoration, sweets were distributed to all those in attendance, reflecting the community’s joy and respect for Phule’s enduring legacy.

Tributes and Distinguished Guests

The ceremony featured a formal tribute where Corporator Nandini Dhende honored the memory of Mahatma Phule by offering a floral garland to his portrait. Following the tribute, former Deputy Mayor Siddharth Dhende delivered an insightful speech highlighting Phule’s monumental contributions to social justice and education. The program saw a strong turnout of local leadership and community elders, including Sheetal Sawant, Pramod Salvi, Ashok Gaikwad, Balasaheb Nitnavare, and Kailas Ranpise, all of whom joined the senior citizens of the colony to pay their respects.