Biography of Savitribai Phule: India’s First Female Teacher
Biography of Savitribai Phule: India’s First Female Teacher
Savitribai Phule (January 3, 1831 – March 10, 1897) was an Indian social reformer, teacher, poet, and a pioneer in women's education. She is regarded as India’s first female teacher and an advocate of women's rights. Along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she worked tirelessly for the rights of women and Dalits, empowering them through education.
Savitribai Phule is remembered as India’s first female teacher and social reformer. Her efforts brought a new direction to the rights of women and Dalits. Her birth anniversary is celebrated annually as "Gyan Jyoti Divas" (Knowledge Light Day).
Death: Savitribai Phule passed away on March 10, 1897, in Pune.
Major Contributions
Contribution to Women’s Education
Savitribai's hard work and determination gradually highlighted the importance of girls' education.
In 1848, she established the first girls' school in Pune, a revolutionary step at the time.
She personally took on the role of a teacher and began educating girls, challenging the prevailing societal norms.
Social Reforms
She worked relentlessly to improve the status of women and promoted widow remarriage.
Opposed Sati Pratha, child marriage, and untouchability.
Established shelters for widows and oppressed women, known as Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha (Child Infanticide Prevention Home).
Writing and Poetry
Savitribai used her poetry as a medium to spread social awareness, emphasizing the rights of women and Dalits.
Contribution to Modern India
She was actively involved in ensuring education and social rights for Dalits and the underprivileged. Her efforts laid a strong foundation for education and equality.
Challenges Faced
Savitribai faced severe criticism and opposition from society for her work.
She was often abused and even pelted with stones but remained undeterred.
Contribution to Education
Savitribai Phule is regarded as a pioneer in the Indian education system.
Struggle to Become a Teacher
Initially uneducated, she began her studies with the help of her husband, Jyotirao Phule, and formally trained to become a teacher.
She completed her primary education at Ahmednagar’s Christian Missionary School.
Later, she trained in Pune to teach girls.
First School
In 1848, Savitribai opened the first girls’ school at Bhide Wada in Pune.
Girls from all castes and social backgrounds were allowed to study there, an exceptional initiative at the time.
She traveled to villages, encouraging women to educate themselves.
Overcoming Social Opposition
Society was extremely orthodox at the time, and even the idea of women receiving an education or becoming teachers was revolutionary.
Some women labeled her work as “against culture” and refused to send their daughters to school.
Strategies to Tackle Opposition
Courage and Perseverance
Despite criticism, she continued her work. The support and partnership of Jyotirao Phule were her greatest strengths.
Spreading Awareness
She traveled to urban and rural areas, explaining the importance of education and its transformative power.
Personal Example
As a teacher herself, she demonstrated how an educated woman could positively impact her family and society.
Strategic Solutions
When people threw dirt on her, she carried an extra sari, changed at school, and continued teaching.
Gradually, she inspired others to join her, increasing the strength of her movement.
Fighting for Women’s Rights
Child Infanticide Prevention Home
In 1863, she established a shelter for widows to protect them and their newborns from infanticide.
Opposing Sati Pratha and Child Marriage
Savitribai actively worked to end the practices of Sati and child marriage, promoting girls' education instead.
Supporting Widow Remarriage
Along with Jyotirao, she advocated widow remarriage and created awareness about its importance.
Contributions to Dalits and Backward Classes
Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule launched movements against caste-based discrimination and untouchability.
In 1852, they set up schools for Dalit communities.
Educating and Empowering Women
Sharing Personal Experiences
Savitribai shared how education could make women self-reliant and improve their family’s future.
Encouraging Parents
She motivated elders and parents in villages to send their daughters to school.
Creating Support Groups
She formed groups of women to fight against social evils such as child marriage, Sati, and widow exploitation.
Writing and Poetry
Savitribai’s works played a crucial role in spreading social awareness.
Her prominent writings include "Kavya Phule" and "Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar".
Her poetry inspired women to fight for their rights.
Contribution During Epidemics
During the 1897 plague epidemic, Savitribai, along with her son Yashwantrao, established centers for the patients.
While serving the affected, she contracted the plague herself and passed away.
Memorials and Recognition
Several schools, colleges, and institutions are named after Savitribai Phule in honor of her contributions.
In 1998, the Government of India issued a postal stamp in her memory.
Her birth anniversary, January 3, is celebrated as Teachers' Day across India.
Inspiration and Teachings
Education as a Fundamental Right: Education is the key to social and personal transformation.
Courage and Determination: Stay steadfast in your purpose despite societal challenges.
Equality and Justice: Build a society free of caste, class, and gender discrimination.
