Indian women education pioneer: Savitribai Phule

neerajsingh18

Jan 3

Indian women education pioneer: Savitribai Phule

Today India is celebrating 192nd birth anniversary of Indian women education pioneer Savitribai Phule.

A low-caste Dalit woman from humble origins became the leading luminary of the movement to liberate Indian women against patriarchal social norms that confined them within the households.

Savitribai Phule is known as India's first woman teacher as she dedicated her life to helping Indian women have access to education and employment. She instituted the first school for girls in India, which later on, paved the way for establishing more girls' schools across the country.

About Savitribai Phule:

Born: 3^rdJanuary 1831

Savitribai was born on January 3, 1831, at Naigaon in Satara District. In 1840, at the tender age of 9, she was married to Jyotirao, who was only 13 at that time.

Mahatma Jyotiba Phule was one of the leading social reformers and anti-caste activists of India. He took her to have education at home and later on admitted her to a teacher's training institution in Pune.

Women's education:

Savitribai did not promoting only women's education but also worked at the grass root level to safeguard women against numerous social evils such as female infanticide, mistreatment, and social ostracisation of widows.

In 1852, she laid down a women's rights advocacy organisation, Mahila Seva Mandal.

In 1863, the whole family of Savitribai and her husband instituted Balyata Pratibandak Gruha, a home for widowed mothers and children born out of wedlock.

Literary Works:

Aside from a pioneer in social reforms, Savitribai was also a prolific poet and writer.

In 1854 Savitribai had published her poetry collection titled ' Kavya Phule' ('Poetry's Blossoms') at the age of 23.

In 1892 she also came out her second poem anthology, 'Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar' ('The Ocean of Pure Gems').

She also penned some songs. A collection of her songs and speeches 'Matushri Savitribai Phlenchi Bhashane va Gaani' (Savitribai Phule's speeches and songs) can also be availed.