CM Devendra Fadnavis Calls for Year-Long Programmes to Mark Mahatma Jyotirao Phule’s Bicentenary

Mumbai, April 2026 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to organise a series of programmes throughout the year to commemorate the bicentenary birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule.

The bicentenary year will be observed from April 11, 2026, to April 10, 2027. The Chief Minister said this period presents an important opportunity to effectively carry forward Phule’s ideas and contributions to future generations. He instructed departments to prepare an annual calendar of events based on Phule’s life and work and ensure their successful execution.

Fadnavis was speaking at a meeting of the committee constituted to plan the bicentenary celebrations, held at Mantralaya. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, and several other senior ministers.

The Chief Minister directed each department involved in the committee to organise at least two to three meaningful programmes as part of the celebrations. He asked that detailed proposals for these initiatives be submitted by April 15.

Highlighting a key initiative, Fadnavis said the celebrations should formally begin on April 11 with the inauguration of a renovated Zilla Parishad school in Khanwadi, the native village of Mahatma Phule in Pune district. The school has been upgraded with CBSE curriculum and modern facilities, symbolising a tribute to Phule’s commitment to education and social reform.

To ensure smooth implementation, the Chief Minister instructed the formation of a sub-committee to monitor and coordinate the year-long programmes under the ministerial panel. He also emphasised the need to translate literature related to Phule’s life and work into multiple languages so that people from different linguistic backgrounds can access and understand his contributions.

Fadnavis further directed the School Education Department to involve private schools in the commemorative activities, ensuring wider participation among students. He called for the consolidation of suggestions from all departments and ministers and urged timely action on the proposed plans.

During the meeting, ministers presented their departmental plans and offered suggestions for various events to be organised during the bicentenary year. Principal Secretary of the General Administration Department, Atul Patne, also briefed the committee on the preparations and coordination efforts.

The state government aims to make the bicentenary year a meaningful tribute to Mahatma Jyotirao Phule by promoting his ideals of social equality, education, and reform across Maharashtra and beyond.