Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah paid tribute to Savitribai Phule on her birth anniversary, hailing her as a pioneer of women's education and social reforms who dedicated her life to empowering the marginalized and transforming society.
Who was Savitribai Phule?
Savitribai Phule (January 3, 1831 – March 10, 1897) was an Indian educator, social reformer, and poet, widely regarded as the first female teacher in modern India.
Born in Naigaon, Maharashtra, into a Mali community family, she was married at the age of nine to Jyotirao Phule, who later educated her at home despite societal opposition.
She trained as a teacher under American missionaries and became a symbol of resilience, facing harassment like being pelted with stones and mud for educating girls.
What were her key contributions to women's education in India?
In 1848, along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, she co-founded the first school for girls in Pune at Bhide Wada, which was a groundbreaking step in providing education to women and lower castes.
They established multiple schools, including one for untouchable girls, challenging the Brahminical monopoly on education and promoting inclusive learning.
Savitribai developed curricula, wrote poetry like "Go, Get Education" to motivate women, and emphasized practical education to empower them economically and socially.
What was her role in social reforms beyond education?
Savitribai fought against caste and gender discrimination, opening her home's well to untouchables and establishing the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873 with her husband to promote equality and rationalism.
She advocated for widow remarriage, set up a shelter for widows and orphans in 1864, and personally adopted a child from a widow to prevent infanticide.
During the 1897 plague in Pune, she established a clinic and personally cared for patients, ultimately succumbing to the disease herself while saving a child.
Why is Savitribai Phule significant in Indian history?
As a trailblazer in women's empowerment, her work laid the foundation for modern India's focus on gender equality, influencing policies like the Right to Education and women's reservation.
She represented the intersection of feminism and anti-caste movements, inspiring leaders like B.R. Ambedkar and modern activists in Dalit and women's rights.
Her legacy is honored through universities named after her, stamps, and annual commemorations, underscoring her role in social justice and education reform.
© 2026 Gaining Sun. All rights reserved.