Latest news with #SavitribaiPhule
India Gazette
20-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"More such films should be made": Rahul Gandhi on biographical movie 'Phule'
New Delhi [India], May 20 (ANI): Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has expressed his wholehearted support for the biographical film 'Phule.'. Directed by Ananth Mahadevan, the film highlights the inspiring lives of two of Maharashtra's most influential social reformers, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and his wife, Savitribai Phule, who were pivotal in challenging social injustices like caste and gender discrimination in India. Taking to X, he wrote, ''Phule' is not just a film or a biography, it is a good initiative to recognize the history of the Bahujan society, which is missing from the mainstream of our education. More such films should be made that bring forth the Bahujan history and struggle - only by seeing, reading and recognising them will the voice of justice become louder.' Meanwhile, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also showed his appreciation for the biographical film 'Phule' during a special screening held on May 1, 2025, in Mumbai. Athawale praised the film for its cultural and social significance, emphasising that it is a must-watch for everyone, including lawmakers. The minister has called for the film to be made tax-free across India, suggesting it should be shown to all Parliamentarians and even President Draupadi Murmu.'This movie is a good attempt to highlight the contributions of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. It should be watched by everyone, especially our lawmakers, to understand the social issues it addresses. I recommend this film even to the President of India,' said Athawale in a press note, underlining the historical importance of the social reforms by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and his wife, Savitribai Phule and their relevance in modern-day India. 'Phule', starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, was released on April 25, 2025, after it faced objections from certain groups concerning its portrayal of caste-based discrimination. Director Ananth Mahadevan, who was also present at the screening, shared his gratitude for Athawale's support.'The film is a true to history and we have made it with all our heart. I am glad AthawaleJi has endorsed the film today. Today, I am as happy as I am grateful to him for his wholehearted support for the film,' Mahadevan said. The film's core narrative is rooted in the struggles of the Phules, who fought against caste discrimination, illiteracy, and gender biases in 19th-century India. 'Phule' is produced by Dancing Shiva Films and Kingsmen Productions, with Zee Studios handling its distribution. The film also features Vinay Pathak, Suresh Vishwakarma, and Darsheel Safary. (ANI)
Time of India
09-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Demand to include landless women tillers in farmers' registry
Pune: Over 500 and representatives from 17 states have criticised govt for excluding landless cultivators from the . A resolution passed on the final day of the three-day National Convention of Women Farmers in Pune, organised by Mahila Kisan Adhikaar Manch ( ) and Savitribai Phule Pune University's Women and Gender Studies Department challenges the landowner-only definition of 'farmer'.Dwaraka Waghmare, Sadhana Waghmare and Surekha Ovhal from Beed said that they migrate for six months each year to work as sugar cane cutters in Kolhapur in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They joined Makaam four years ago when activists visited their village. "We had no idea about our rights, nor did talk about them. We worked 18 hours a day for little pay and didn't realise it."Since joining Makaam, they have learned about sustainable farming, better seeds, and improved food practices. "It took us two years just to convince other women to speak up and organise. In the first year, only three of us were involved. Today, 45 women in our village practice sustainable farming."Their collective bargaining has already had an impact. "Earlier, the contractor paid us Rs 229. After we organised and demanded better wages, we now get Rs 366."Seema Kulkarni, National Facilitation Team member of Makaam said that the organisation was formed in 2014, but the first national summit was held in 2016. "This is the second summit to celebrate 10 years of Makaam's formation. The theme of the conference was identity, resilience, and transformation because ten years later, we're still fighting for identity — and organising around it remains just as vital," Kulkarni Raut from Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh said, "I now train other women. We discuss gender-based violence, sexuality, and everyday biases that women face. We are also promoting organic farming and encouraging women to start small group enterprises to build economic independence." Shubhada Deshmukh, a member of the national facilitation team, highlighted how and the forest-based economy are overlooked. "For Adivasi women and other forest dwellers, the jungle is not just a livelihood — it is life itself," she said. It's not only about legal rights over forest land; the forest is deeply interwoven with culture, identity, and survival. She emphasised that any conversation on forest rights must be rooted in the lived realities of those who depend on it. "We need to focus both on improving their access to rights and on raising awareness — not just among forest communities, but also in the mainstream — about how intimately their lives are connected to the jungle. "Right time to fix systemic wrongs The 2007 National Policy for Farmers recognises women cultivators, agricultural workers, fishers, forest produce gatherers, and livestock rearers as farmers regardless of land ownershipTwo decades later, the new registry ignores these categoriesIt will deny thousands of women vital entitlements such as disaster compensation, scheme benefits, and minimum wage protectionsSejal Dand from MAKAAM said with AI entering the space, faulty, exclusionary datasets will become the new baseline and will be used to automate entitlement denial
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Union Minister Athawale requests a tax-free status for 'Phule'
1 2 Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has urged that 'Phule' be awarded tax-free status all over India. 'Phule' documents the life and work of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule , the pathbreakers who led the movement against caste-based discrimination and gender inequality in India during the 19th century. Athawale praised the film's cultural and educational worth, calling for it to be exempted from taxes so its message could be spread far and wide. Athawale made these comments during a special screening of the film in Mumbai on May 1, 2025, where he hailed the film's strong portrayal of social reformers Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, and underlined its significance for modern-day Indian society. "This film is a commendable effort to project the role played by Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. All of us should watch it, particularly our legislators, so that they understand the social concerns raised in it. I suggest this film even to the President of India," Athawale said in a press note. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Union Minister Ramdas Athawale wishes the President to watch the movie Athawale took the step further by recommending that 'Phule' be screened for all Members of Parliament and even for President Droupadi Murmu. He emphasized that the themes of equality, justice, and education in the film are important for policymakers to observe firsthand, as they remain relevant in contemporary India. Overcoming Controversy 'Phule,' with Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa in the central roles, hit theaters on April 25, 2025. The release of the film was not controversy-free, with some groups objecting to its portrayal of caste-based discrimination. Despite that, the film has been highly praised for its realistic and sensitive representation of the Phules' unrelenting fight against social injustice, illiteracy, and gender bias. Director's gratitude Director Ananth Mahadevan , who attended the Mumbai screening, was overwhelmed with gratitude at Athawale's endorsement. "The film is true to history and we have made it with all our heart. I am glad Athawaleji has endorsed the film today. Today, I am as happy as I am grateful to him for his wholehearted support for the film," Mahadevan said.
News18
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale Bats For Phule, Demands Tax Exemption
Last Updated: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale praised the film Phule at a Mumbai screening, urging tax-free status and recommending it for lawmakers and President Droupadi Murmu. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has voiced strong support for the biographical film Phule at a special screening held in Mumbai on May 1, 2025. Directed by Ananth Mahadevan, the film chronicles the transformative lives of social reformers Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, pioneers in the fight against caste and gender discrimination in India. Commending the film's cultural and social impact, Athawale called it an essential watch, particularly for lawmakers, adding that its message of equality and justice deserves a nationwide audience. Ramdas Athawale urged that Phule be granted tax-free status across the country, emphasizing its educational and societal value. He further recommended that the film be screened for all Members of Parliament and even suggested a special viewing for President Droupadi Murmu. 'This movie is a good attempt to highlight the contributions of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. It should be watched by everyone, especially our lawmakers, to understand the social issues it addresses. I recommend this film even to the President of India," said Athawale in a press note. Athawale underscored the historical importance of the social reforms led by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and his wife, Savitribai Phule, emphasizing how their fight against caste and gender discrimination continues to resonate in modern-day India. The film Phule, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, was released on April 25, 2025, following a wave of controversy and objections from certain groups regarding its depiction of caste-based discrimination. Director Ananth Mahadevan, who was also present at the screening, expressed his gratitude for Union Minister Ramdas Athawale's support. He thanked Athawale for recognising the importance of the film and its message. 'The film is a true to history and we have made it with all our heart. I am glad AthawaleJi has endorsed the film today. Today, I am as happy as I am grateful to him for his wholehearted support for the film," Mahadevan said. The film's core narrative is deeply rooted in the struggles faced by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, who dedicated their lives to battling caste discrimination, illiteracy, and gender biases in 19th-century India. 'Phule" is produced by Dancing Shiva Films and Kingsmen Productions, with Zee Studios taking charge of its distribution. The film also boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Vinay Pathak, Suresh Vishwakarma, and Darsheel Safary. First Published:
The Hindu
02-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Opposition in Maharashtra demands to make film ‘Phule' tax-free and screen in schools
Opposition in Maharashtra has urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to exempt the film Phulefrom tax and make it available in schools. They argued that making the film tax-free would allow more people to know the history of India's social reforms and movements. While NCP-SP leader Jayant Patil asked to make it tax-free, aiming to reach more people with the history of social reforms, Mumbai Congress president and MP Varsha Gaikwad wants school students to understand the struggle of such social reformers that enabled girls to pursue education in India. Actor and filmmaker Ananth Mahadevan directed the film Phule, a biopic on the lives of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, released on April 25. The film has already attracted criticism from the Brahmin community for allegedly showing the community in a bad light. The director has defended that the film is not against the Brahmins, and the controversy around it was 'unnecessary'. Mr. Patil on Friday asked Mr. Fadnavis to tax-free the film Phule that depicts the struggles of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule for equality and see the living history of the movement built for the upliftment of society. He shared the letter on X, mentioning, 'The work of Mahatma Phule and Savitrimai is beyond opening water tanks for Dalits and promoting women's education. The film has been opposed in the 21st century as much as the couple faced opposition for their work in the 19th century, resulting deletion of nearly 12 scenes from the film.' 'Everyone must watch the struggle of the couple fighting to give a man the right to live as a human being,' he wrote, adding that people's misconceptions will also be cleared. Mumbai Congress president and MP Varsha Gaikwad demanded that the film be made tax-free in Maharashtra and screened in schools, especially girls' schools across the State. Crediting the Phule couple for all her achievements, Ms. Gaikwad said, 'Many women like me can get themselves educated and work in the political field just because of Phule's initiatives to educate women and the underprivileged sections of society.' 'We have a social responsibility towards them; the current generation should understand their struggle. This is possible through this film,' she wrote in the letter to Mr. Fadnavis. Meanwhile, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) Chief Prakash Ambedkar also raised his voice to make the film tax-free. 'I demand that the film be released without any cuts and be made tax-free in Maharashtra. VBA follows the Phule-Shahu-Ambedkarwadi ideology, and we will NOT tolerate and stay quiet to this insult of Mahatma Phule,' he posted on X, a few weeks ago.
