January 3, 2025, marks the 194th birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, a trailblazer in the field of education and social reform in India. Born in 1831 in Naigaon, Maharashtra, Savitribai Phule defied societal norms to become the country’s first female teacher and a prominent advocate for women’s and marginalized communities’ rights. Her contributions, alongside her husband Jyotirao Phule, laid the foundation for transformative changes in Indian society.
Early Life and Education
Born into the Dalit Mali community, Savitribai faced the challenges of caste and gender discrimination from an early age. Married at the age of 10 to Jyotirao Phule, she was educated by her husband, who recognized her potential and supported her aspirations. Savitribai later underwent teacher training in Pune, becoming a beacon of hope for countless girls and marginalized individuals.
In 1848, the Phules opened the first school for girls in Bhidewada, Pune. Despite intense opposition from conservative factions, including physical abuse and societal ostracism, Savitribai persevered. She often carried a spare sari to school to change into after being pelted with stones, mud, or cow dung by her detractors. Her resilience turned the tide, as reports from 1852 highlighted the superior quality of education provided in her schools compared to government institutions.
Champion of Social Justice
Savitribai’s work extended beyond education. She and Jyotirao established schools for Shudras and Ati-Shudras (backward castes and Dalits) and faced severe backlash from traditionalists. Her efforts to empower marginalized communities earned widespread acclaim and inspired progressive reforms.
In 1873, the couple founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth Seekers’ Society) to promote social equality and fight caste oppression. They also initiated “Satyashodhak Marriages,” which rejected Brahmanical rituals and emphasized education and gender equality.
Savitribai’s compassion was evident in her work with vulnerable women. She established the Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha (Home for the Prevention of Infanticide) to support pregnant widows and rape survivors. This initiative arose from a case of a Brahmin widow punished for infanticide after being abandoned by her rapist. Savitribai also encouraged widow remarriage, advocated for the eradication of child marriage and dowry, and supported inter-caste marriages.
Relief Work and Final Years
During the 1896 famine and the 1897 Bubonic plague in Maharashtra, Savitribai led relief efforts, personally helping those in need. She contracted the plague herself while assisting a sick child and passed away on March 10, 1897.
Savitribai’s defiance of societal conventions extended to her personal life. When her husband Jyotirao passed away in 1890, she broke tradition by leading his funeral procession and performing his last rites, roles typically reserved for men.
Literary Contributions
Savitribai was also an accomplished poet and writer. Her first collection of poems, Kavya Phule (Poetry’s Blossoms), was published in 1854 when she was just 23 years old. Her later work, Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar (The Ocean of Pure Gems), published in 1892, reflects her progressive ideals and vision for a more equitable society.
Enduring Legacy
Savitribai Phule remains an enduring symbol of courage, education, and social reform. Her pioneering efforts have inspired generations to challenge societal norms and prioritize education and equality. On her birth anniversary, leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pay homage to her contributions. He described her as “a beacon of women’s empowerment and a pioneer in education and social reform.”
As India continues to progress, Savitribai’s life serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education and the importance of inclusivity in society. Her story is not just a chapter in history but a guiding light for future generations striving for equality and justice.
