<span style="color: #222222;">The nation today paid tribute to one of the great social reformers from Maharashtra, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule to mark his Birth Anniversary. Born 195 years ago on this date, Mahatma Phule along with his wife Savitri had championed the cause of women's education and empowerment besides fighting for the removal of caste system and untouchability.<br />''<br />''AIR correspondent reports that Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray today said that Mahatma Phule dedicated his life to the welfare of downtrodden citizens, especially women. Paying tribute to the social reformer, Mr. Thackeray said, his life and works are an inspiration for all. <br />''<br />''Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar paid floral tributes to Mahatma Phule's portrait at the State Secretariat. Besides, a scooter rally was held in Nagpur to mark Mahatma Phule's Birth Anniversary while lectures series and musical programmes were also organized across many other districts. Born on April 11, 1827, Mahatma Phule was the founder of Satyashodhak Samaj that fought for equal rights for people belonging to the lower castes. He is also credited for starting a school for girls at Bhide Wada in Pune in 1848. Along with his wife Savitribai, Mahatma Phule fought hard to stop female infanticide and promote widow remarriage. Jyotiba Phule was given the title of Mahatma by another social activist Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar in 1888.</span><br />