NCP chief Sharad Pawar Wednesday said some people were trying to spread "regressive" thoughtsin the society.
He was speaking at an event organised here to mark the 128th death anniversary of social reformer Jyotiba Phule. Pawar was presented with Mahatma Phule Samata Puraskar at the hands of former President Pratibha Patil during the event.
"Phule worked for equality in the society. He, along with his wife Savitribai Phule, played a pivotal role in making education available to everyone, including women, despite stiff opposition at that time," he said.
"Today, some people are once again trying to spread regressive thoughts in the society. A statue of Manu was installed outside the Rajasthan High Court by the people who are in power.
"It shows that such thoughts are still prevalent in the minds of people, who are in key positions," he said.
The former Union minister added that in order to eradicate 'Manuvad' (Manu's ideology), there is a need to spread the thoughts and teachings of Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule.
"By spreading the thoughts of the Phules, people from all the sections in the society will get equal treatment," he said.
NCP leader and former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal was also present on the occasion.
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