Jotirao was
born on 11-04-1827. After Jotirao's birth, within a
year, his mother died. He had his primary education
during 1834-1838. In 1840, he got married to Savitribai,
the daughter of Shri. Khandoji Nevshe Patil from village
Naigaon, Tal. Khandala, Dist. Satara. Due to certain
situation Jotirao had to give up his education for some
years.
Taking into consideration, Jotirao's enthusiasm and
interest in education, their neighbours Shri. Munshi
Gafar Beg and Mr. Lijit advised that even after the
break in education, Jotirao should continue with his
further education in English. With this counsel, Jotirao's
name was enrolled in an English school, in 1841.
While studying in school, Jotirao read a book- ' Rights
of Man', written by Thomas Paine. This book gave him
a new insight into social transformation. After finishing
his education, instead of taking a job, Jotirao helped
his father in his profession. During this period (1848)
an important confrontation took place in his life. On
the basis of his caste, Jotirao was humiliated in the
marriage of a friend at the hands of the upper caste
horde. He predestined this as social injustice. He realised
that education is the best and the most powerful medicine
for the freedom of the underprivileged social components
such as the demoralized ('Shudras/ Atee Shudras') communities
and many social components under pressure. Fired by
this realisation he started his move violently for the
liberation of the lower castes. He started working for
the cause of establishing equality by annihilation of
- hierarchy in society, ignorance & poverty. |
