Journalism of Courage
Phule wada,once the residence of Mahatma Jotiba Phule is now a museum that displays the life of the legendary activist
Hidden in the maze of the narrow Peths in Pune is a historical landmark-the Phule Wada. Built in the year 1852,the Wada was once the residence of Mahatma Jotiba Phule,the renowned social reformer and his wife,Savitribai Phule. It is now a well-maintained museum that houses beautifully painted canvases depicting their lives,trials and tribulations. The place where Mahatma Phules ashes were buried is covered by a lush tulsi plant. The Wada came into highlight after Chaggan Bhujbal,the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra visited it last week on the occasion of its annual day.
Mahatma Phule was an advocate of the untouchables and education for the girl child. After being evicted from his village for opening a girls school,he and his wife moved to Phule Wada where they ran an orphanage. Raghunath Srirangdhok,writer and teacher,is all praises for Mahatma Phule. He introduced deep irrigation for the entire village and wrote a book,Shetkaryacha Asud,which enumerated his ideals,all of which are applicable even today, he says.
Original documents handwritten by him are on display at the wada. One of the main attractions of Phule Wada is a historical well,which was built solely for the untouchables. Every year on Mahatma Phules death anniversary,we organise a function which is attended by political dignitaries and more than 10,000 people, says Balasaheb Daundkar of the Archeology Department of Maharashtra.
