Every year on January 3rd, India celebrates a special day called Savitribai Phule Jayanti. It’s not just any birthday, it’s a day to remember and honour a remarkable woman who fought for girls’ education and sparked a revolution in India.
Born in 1831, Savitribai wasn’t given the chance to go to school herself. This was a time when girls weren’t allowed to learn, especially those from lower castes like Savitribai. But she dreamed of a world where every girl, no matter who they were, could read, write, and stand on their own.
Savitribai Phule challenged the conventional gender roles prevalent in the 19th century when the British colonised India, a time when women’s issues were seldom addressed. She, along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, established India’s first school for women in Pune in 1848. Savitribai was the first-ever female teacher in India and went on to establish 17 more schools.
Here are some facts about Savitribai Phule:
Savitribai Phule was a remarkable woman who played a crucial role in India’s social reform movement during the 19th century. Here are some powerful facts about her:
Pioneer in Women’s Education: Savitribai Phule was a pioneer of women’s education in India. In 1848, she founded the first school for girls in Pune, breaking social norms.
Fight Against Caste Discrimination: She, along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, actively worked against the caste-based discrimination prevalent in society. They founded the Satyashodhak Samaj, a social reform organisation, to challenge the oppressive caste system.
Promoter of Widow Remarriage: Savitribai Phule was a vocal advocate for the rights of widows. She campaigned against the prevailing customs that forced widows into a life of deprivation and for the right of widows to remarry.
Social Reformer: Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule dedicated their lives to social reform. They fought against untouchability and worked towards uplifting the lower castes through education and awareness.
Literary Contributions: Apart from her social work, Savitribai Phule was also a poet and writer. She wrote powerful poems that highlighted the issues of gender and caste discrimination, contributing significantly to Marathi literature.
Recognition and Honours: In honour of her contributions, Savitribai Phule is remembered as one of the leading social reformers in India. Her birth anniversary, celebrated as Savitribai Phule Jayanti, is a day to commemorate her legacy and contributions to education and social equality.
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