Savitribai Phule, a transformative figure in the realms of education and social reform during the 19th century, is commemorated on her birth anniversary on January 3, 1831. Recognized as India’s first female school teacher, Savitribai dedicated her life to the empowerment of women and untouchables through education and literacy.
Married to the activist and social reformer Jyotirao Phule at the age of 9, Savitribai’s journey was marked by her husband’s steadfast support for her education and social endeavors. Their collaboration culminated in the establishment of India’s first school for girls, Bhide Wada, in Pune, in 1848.
Savitribai’s commitment to education extended beyond school establishments. She underwent teaching training at the American Missionaries Institute in Ahmednagar and Pune’s Normal School, equipping herself to lead the charge for education and social change.
Despite societal norms restricting access to knowledge, the Phule couple opened schools for women in 1848, initiating a groundbreaking movement for women’s education in India. By 1851, they had established three schools, with Savitribai personally teaching 150 students and extending their reach to Dalits and lower-caste women through 17 additional schools.
In 1852, Savitribai initiated the Mahila Seva Mandal, advocating for women’s rights and challenging social hierarchies by uniting members of all castes. Her advocacy extended to campaigns against child marriage and support for widow remarriage.
The Phules’ commitment to societal transformation led to the establishment of the Literacy Mission in India in 1854-55, promoting education nationwide. The Satyashodhak Samaj, founded by the couple, challenged societal norms with the promotion of Satyashodhak marriage, where no dowry was accepted.
To commemorate Savitribai Phule’s birth anniversary, here are some inspiring quotes by the legendary social reformer:
- Education is the great equaliser and it will take us out of our caves.
- Laziness is a symptom of poverty. It is the enemy of knowledge, wealth, and honour and the lazy person gets none of it.
- A woman without education is like a banyan tree without roots or leaves; she cannot provide for her children and stay alive herself.
- The lack of learning is nothing but gross bestiality. It is through the acquisition of knowledge that (he) loses his lower status and achieves the higher one.
- We shall overcome and success will be ours in the future. The future belongs to us.
- I believe that education is the key to every woman’s liberation.
- Awake, arise and educate, smash traditions – liberate.
- All gets lost without knowledge, we become animal without wisdom.
- Sit idle no more, go, get education. End the misery of the oppressed and forsaken.
- If you have no knowledge, have no education, And you yearn not for the same, You possess intellect but work not on the same, How then can you be called a human being?
