India on Friday paid rich tribute to Savitribai Phule on her 195th birth anniversary, remembering her as a fearless social reformer, the country’s first female teacher, and a lifelong champion of women’s education and equality. Across the nation, political leaders, educators, students, and social organisations recalled her extraordinary journey and lasting contribution to building a more inclusive and just society.
Born in 1831 in Maharashtra, Savitribai Phule lived in a time when educating girls and lower-caste children was considered unacceptable. Despite intense resistance from society, she stood firm, laying the foundation for modern education reform in India.
A Childhood Marked by Early Responsibility
Savitribai Phule was married at the age of nine to Jyotirao Phule, who later became her strongest supporter and partner in social reform. Recognising her sharp intellect, Jyotirao encouraged her to pursue education at a time when women were denied even basic literacy.
Under his guidance, Savitribai learned to read and write and soon trained as a teacher. This personal transformation became the starting point of a larger movement that would challenge centuries-old social barriers.
India’s First Girls’ School Opens in Pune
In 1848, Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule made history by opening India’s first girls’ school in Pune. The school began with just nine students, most of them from lower-caste communities who had long been excluded from formal education.
Savitribai became the first female teacher in India, walking daily to the school despite being insulted, threatened, and even attacked with stones and mud. Yet she never gave up. Her courage turned education into a powerful tool of resistance against inequality.
Facing Opposition With Determination
The couple faced fierce opposition from conservative sections of society. Savitribai was often verbally abused for stepping outside traditional gender roles. However, she responded not with anger, but with resolve.
Over time, the Phules expanded their efforts, opening several schools for girls and marginalised children. Savitribai believed education was the key to breaking cycles of poverty, caste discrimination, and gender oppression.
Beyond Education: A Broader Social Movement
Savitribai Phule’s work was not limited to classrooms. She actively fought social evils such as child marriage, caste discrimination, and the mistreatment of widows. Along with Jyotirao Phule, she co-founded the Satyashodhak Samaj, an organisation dedicated to promoting truth, equality, and social justice.
The Satyashodhak Samaj worked to challenge rigid caste hierarchies and encouraged people to question blind traditions. Savitribai played a key role in spreading awareness through speeches, poetry, and direct engagement with communities.
A Life of Compassion and Ultimate Sacrifice
Savitribai Phule’s compassion extended beyond reform movements. In 1897, when a plague outbreak struck Pune, she personally cared for infected patients. At a time when fear kept many indoors, she chose service over safety.
While nursing plague victims, Savitribai herself contracted the disease and passed away in 1897. Her death marked the end of a life lived entirely for others, but her ideas continued to inspire generations.
Leaders Across Parties Pay Tribute
On her 195th birth anniversary, leaders from across political parties, including the Congress and BJP, paid tribute to Savitribai Phule. Social media platforms were filled with messages remembering her as a pioneer who reshaped India’s social landscape.
Many leaders described her as the nation’s first female teacher and a symbol of courage, equality, and reform. Educational institutions across Maharashtra and other states organised special events, seminars, and essay competitions to honour her legacy.
Why Savitribai Phule Matters Today
More than a century after her death, Savitribai Phule’s ideas remain deeply relevant. In a country still striving for equal access to education, especially for girls and marginalised communities, her work serves as a powerful reminder of what determined individuals can achieve.
Her belief that education empowers not just individuals but entire societies continues to guide policymakers, teachers, and activists. She proved that social change begins with knowledge and courage.
A Legacy That Lives On
Savitribai Phule’s life story is not just a chapter in history books it is a living legacy. Schools, universities, and social movements across India draw inspiration from her fearless pursuit of justice.
As India marks her 195th birth anniversary, the nation remembers her not only as a reformer of the past, but as a guiding light for the future. Her journey from a young girl denied education to a national icon of equality stands as one of the most powerful stories of transformation in Indian history.
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