Remembering Savitribai Phule: An Inspiration for Indian Women

Savitribai Phule is one of the most admired Indian women. She is remembered as India’s first woman teacher, social worker and poet. Savitribai was born on January 3, 1831, in Naigaon, Maharashtra. Today marks her 187th birth year.

Savitribai Phule brought the dawn of women’s education in India. She worked for the rights of women and introduced education opportunities for girls during the British India Age. Her poems raised voice against discrimination and emphasized the importance of education. She was also actively involved in protests against Sati, untouchability, child marriage and other social practices that violated human rights.

Married at the age of 9 to 13-year-old Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule was taught by her husband at home. He trained her to become a teacher. Together, they started 18 schools for educating girls and became the first female teacher and headmistress in India. Scholls started by her were located in Pune and the University of Pune was renamed Savitribai Phule University in her honour.

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Savitribai Phule emerged as one of most renowned female reformists in India. She worked for uplifting the exploited lower caste people. She also started a shelter at her house in 1863 for preventing infanticide. She also worked for the welfare of widows. Along with her husband, Savitribai started a movement to introduce the equal rights for men and women. Her devotion has set an example and has inspired many Indian women.