Savitribai Phule birth anniversary: A throwback at India’s first female teacher and her contributions to women’s empowerment

New Delhi: Today, when Indian women are hoisting flags on the moon and scripting history with their remarkable achievements in numerous fields, there was a time when women could not cross the threshold. They were even restricted from getting admission to schools to gain knowledge. Despite having several challenges and strict rules, a woman came out flowing against the current and became the first female schoolteacher in India in the 19th century, inspiring other women across the nation.

She was none other than Savitribai Phule, who was born in Naigaon, Maharashtra on January 3, 1831. Today, when people across the nation are observing the 192nd birth anniversary of the prominent lady, let’s walk through the lane of her contribution to women’s empowerment in India. No hardship broke her determination to become a teacher Born into a poor family, Savitribai got married at the young age of nine to a 12-year-old Jyotirao Phule.

Savitribai faced numerous challenges and hardships. However, her determination to educate herself and make a difference in the world was unbreakable. She received tremendous support from her husband at every step and completed her teaching training at Ms.

Mitchell’s school in Pune and Ms. Farar’s Institution in Ahmednagar. Savitribai Phule believed that education could bring changes in society and was necessary for the empowerment of the depressed class and women.

First woman teacher in India In the British colonised India in the 19th century, when women’s grievances were rarely heard, Savitribai Phule broke the traditional stereotypes by first qualifying herself and setting up the woman’s school in the country. Savitribai Phule, with the help of her husband, established the first school for women in 1848 in Pune, Maharashtra. In addition to being the first female teacher in the country, Savitribai is well known for founding 17 more schools across the nation.

Savitribai Phule: A social reformer Apart from being a proficient teacher, Savitribai Phule was also a great social reformer. She raised her voice against child marriage and led several campaigns supporting widow remarriage. With an aim to promote Satyashodhak marriage, in which no dowry was taken, Savitribai, along with her husband, also started the Literacy Mission in India in 1854-55 and the Satyashodhak Samaj, Society for Truth-Seeking.

Apart from other social injustices, the caste system was also on her list of abolitions. Throughout her life, she worked towards the upliftment of marginalised communities in India. Her contribution to the upliftment of society, especially for women’s empowerment, can barely be defined in words.

Thus, people from all walks of life pay tribute and remember her contribution on her special day, her birth date. Savitribai Phule: A writer and motivator Savitribai Phule wrote the famous poem ‘Go Get Education’, encouraging oppressed classes to get educated. Emphasizing the importance of English and education, her first collection of poems, Kavya Phule, was published in 1854.

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