Annually, on January 3rd, India observes Savitribai Phule Jayanti, commemorating the birth of a remarkable woman whose endeavors for girls’ education sparked a transformative movement in the country.
Born in 1831, Savitribai faced the societal barriers denying girls, especially from lower castes, the opportunity for education. Undeterred, she envisioned a world where every girl, irrespective of her background, could read, write, and stand independently.
Challenging the conventional gender norms prevalent during the 19th-century British colonial era in India, Savitribai, and her husband Jyotirao Phule, founded the nation’s inaugural women’s school in Pune in 1848. Pioneering as the first female teacher in India, Savitribai went on to establish an additional 17 schools.
Savitribai Phule emerged as a pivotal figure in India’s 19th-century social reform movement. Her impactful contributions include:
- Pioneer of Women’s Education: In 1848, Savitribai established the first school for girls in Pune, defying societal norms and laying the foundation for women’s education in India.
- Caste-Based Discrimination: Collaborating with Jyotirao Phule, she actively opposed the oppressive caste system by establishing the Satyashodhak Samaj, a social reform organization dedicated to challenging caste-based discrimination.
- Advocate for Widows’ Rights: Savitribai campaigned against prevailing customs that subjected widows to a life of deprivation, advocating for their right to remarry.
- Social Reform Crusaders: Devoting their lives to social reform, Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule fought against untouchability, working towards the upliftment of lower castes through education and awareness.
- Literary Contributions: In addition to her social work, Savitribai was a prolific poet and writer. Her powerful poems addressed issues of gender and caste discrimination, making significant contributions to Marathi literature.
Savitribai Phule’s legacy as a leading social reformer in India is commemorated on Savitribai Phule Jayanti. This day serves as a tribute to her enduring contributions to education and social equality, emphasizing the importance of her visionary efforts in shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.