A Call to Uphold the Right to Mother-Tongue Education
Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was a pioneering social reformer, visionary educator, and relentless crusader against caste-based discrimination
Dr. J Ravikumar Stephen G.
If Mahatma Jyotirao Phule were alive today, he would be celebrating his 198th birth anniversary. A pioneering social reformer, visionary educator, and relentless crusader against caste-based discrimination, Phule’s life and legacy continue to inspire generations across India. Born in Maharashtra, he dedicated himself to the uplift of the oppressed, tirelessly working to eradicate untouchability and challenge the caste system. A true advocate of social justice, Phule’s groundbreaking initiatives in women’s education and empowerment of marginalized communities left an indelible mark on Indian society.
In 1848, he established the first school for girls in Pune at the residence of Tatyasaheb Bhide (Bhidewada), a revolutionary step that laid the foundation for inclusive education. Recognizing the need for collective social transformation, he founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers) to secure equal rights for the oppressed. This organization welcomed people from all castes and religions, working together for justice and dignity.
He was conferred the honorific title “Mahatma” (great-souled) in 1888 during a special felicitation held in Mumbai—several decades before the same title was bestowed upon Gandhi. In recognition of their pioneering contributions to education and social reform, a block in an educational institution run by the Dravidar Kazhagam has been named in honor of his wife, Savitribai Phule.
As we commemorate the 198th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, let us renew our commitment to the cause he held closest to his heart: the right to education. And more importantly, the right to be educated in one’s mother tongue.
It is in this spirit that I wish to draw your attention to the Paramparik Koya Dnyanbodh Sanskar Gotul School in Mohagaon village, Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra. This community-run Gondi-medium school stands as a testament to the resilience of the Gond Adivasi community—one of the original inhabitants of Central India. Although Gondi is spoken by nearly three million people, it still lacks official recognition in India.
In October 2019, fifteen Gram Sabhas came together and passed a resolution asserting their right to reclaim their language. The result was the establishment of this unique school, grounded in the traditional Gotul system of learning, where children are taught in their native Gondi language and immersed in their rich cultural heritage.
However, in 2022, this remarkable initiative received a notice from the Maharashtra Education Department for not being registered under the Zila Parishad, urging its closure. A petition was filed in the Bombay High Court seeking recognition, but the case remains unresolved. The school’s plan to expand to Class 6 has been stalled, and the future of the 16 children currently in Class 5 hangs in the balance.
This situation is a stark reminder of the systemic neglect faced by Adivasi languages and cultures. While Sanskrit, spoken by fewer than 25,000 people, is recognized in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, Gondi—with over 2.9 million speakers—is not. Such disparities erode linguistic and cultural identity and block access to basic educational rights.
Let us remember: the true celebration of Mahatma Phule’s 198th birth anniversary lies not in ritualistic homage, but in continuing his mission for social justice and equal opportunity.
Let us stand in solidarity with the Gondi-speaking Adivasi children of Mohagaon. Let us urge our elected representatives to amend the right to Education Act to guarantee primary education in tribal children’s mother tongues. Let us raise our voices to ensure that no child is denied education simply because their language is not recognized.
This is not just a fight for education—it is a fight for dignity, inclusion, and justice.
Read: Sarhul: A Celebration of Spring
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Dr. J Ravikumar Stephen G., is the Founder, Dravidianism Revival Centre, Peace Coalition of the People of South Asia, and Sages of the New Covenant. He is also the Presiding Bishop of General Convention of the Episcopal Churches in Southern and South Eastern Asia. The Dravidianism Revival Centre is located in Badlapur, Greater Thane Maharashtra, India. Emal: Peace.Evangelist@gmail.com
