Savitribai Phule Jayanti is celebrated every year on 3rd January to honor India’s first female teacher, Savitribai Phule, who revolutionized women’s education and contributed immensely to social reforms.
Savitribai Phule’s Life and Legacy
- Birth: 3rd January 1831, Naigaon, Maharashtra
- Death: 10th March 1897, during the plague epidemic while serving others
Savitribai Phule was born into a simple farming family. At the age of 9, she was married to 12-year-old Jyotirao Phule. Her husband taught her to read and write, encouraging her to become a teacher and work for the upliftment of women and marginalized communities.
Contributions to Women’s Education
- First Girls’ School (1848): Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule opened the first school for girls in Pune, where Savitribai herself became the first female teacher.
- Education for the Marginalized: The Phules established schools for communities that were excluded from education. They also provided scholarships and raised awareness among parents about the importance of education.
- Support from Fatima Sheikh: Fatima Sheikh, a Muslim woman, and her brother Usman Sheikh offered their home as a space for the school. Fatima Sheikh is regarded as India’s first Muslim woman teacher.
- Overcoming Challenges: Savitribai faced severe opposition. People often hurled stones and mud at her, but she remained steadfast in her mission to educate and empower.
Contributions to Social Reforms
- Opposition to Social Evils:Campaigned against child marriage and the sati system.
Promoted widow remarriage and fought against oppressive customs.
- Women’s Rights: Established organizations like the Mahila Seva Mandal to empower women.
Opposed the practice of shaving widows’ heads, working with barbers to halt this custom.
- Shelters for Distressed Women: In 1863, she opened a shelter for rape survivors and pregnant widows, providing them safety and dignity.
- Fight Against Caste Discrimination: Opened her home’s well for Dalits and other marginalized communities.
Founded the Satyashodhak Samaj with Jyotirao Phule to combat caste oppression.
- Service During Plague Epidemic: During the 1897 plague epidemic, she set up a clinic with her adopted son to serve the afflicted. While helping patients, she contracted the disease and passed away.
Honors and Legacy
- Postal Stamp (1998): The Government of India issued a postal stamp in her honor.
- Renaming of Pune University: Pune University was renamed Savitribai Phule Pune University in recognition of her contributions.
- Google Doodle (2017): Google celebrated her 186th birth anniversary with a dedicated doodle.
Symbol of Women’s Education
Savitribai Phule demonstrated how education could bring about societal transformation. Her legacy continues to inspire movements for education and equality across India.
Message from Savitribai Phule’s Life
Her life teaches us that education and equality are the foundation of a better society. She remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, showing us how determination can overcome obstacles and create meaningful change.
Also Read:
- National Education Mission: Advantages and Future Trajectory
- UNICEF Foundation Day 2024: History, Achievement & Importance
Rastra Mata Savitribai fule ji sat sat naman…