Pothala Prasad Naidu said that eminent social reformers Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule should be posthumously awarded India's highest civilian honour, Bharat Ratna.
Speaking to the media in Delhi today, Pothala Prasad Naidu, National President, Jyotiba Rao Phule All India Association, Rajendra Nagar, New Delhi said, he will urge the Central Government to confer Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, posthumously on eminent social reformers Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule. "People from all sections of the country have long recognised the title of Mahatma given to Phule. Bharat Ratna will be the State's formal recognition of his legacy," he said. Only two people - Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Mahatma Gandhi - were honoured with the title of 'Mahatma', which reflects their unparalleled contribution to the nation.
Pothala Prasad Naidu said,
Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule are remembered as pioneers in the fight against social inequality and for their unprecedented work in promoting education, especially among women and marginalised communities. Pothala Prasad Naidu said, I along with all my friends and fellow students will talk to the leaders of all the political parties in this regard, to honour the eminent social reformers Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule with India's highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna posthumously.
