“The one profession that creates all other professions is teaching”
Teachers and mentors are among the most influential people in our lives. They not only educate us, but they also help us see the big picture, inform us about what’s going on in the world, and mold us into successful professionals and leaders. A teacher spends their entire career encouraging students to be their best selves. Here is the story of one such amazing person, who is well-known as India’s first lady teacher. Let us take a look at Savitribai Phule’s journey.
Savitribai Phule’s Timeline
- 1831- Born in Naigaon, Maharashtra
- 1851- Married Jyotiba Phule
- 1854- Joined the Satyashodhak Samaj founded by Jyotiba Phule
- 1868- Became a teacher at the age of 37 years. Started teaching girls and women’s education. Also started a school for upper-caste children
- 1873- Operation of the Satyashodhak Samaj with Savitri Bai as one among its members. Unite lower castes and women to fight against oppressive practices by higher castes in India. The scope of activities widened from 1874 onwards when they began marrying off young widows remarried and started organizing women’s prayer meetings
- 1883- Started a branch of the Satyashodhak Samaj in Solapur. She also wrote an autobiography that was published as part of her husband’s biography, Jnyaneshwari (The Light of Knowledge). The book questioned the established norms and social roles for woment
- 1894- At the age of 63, she passed away. The British government bestowed the title ‘Ambabai’ on her after her death.
Who Was Savitribai Phule?
Savitribai Phule (सावित्री बा फुले) was an Indian social reformer and poet. She is well-known for her work to improve women’s rights, particularly as it pertains to human trafficking.
In addition, she was a poet and played an important role in improving the education of women. Savitribai Phule is considered as one of India’s earliest female educators, fighting for girls’ education at a period when it was believed that girls should not be educated or allowed inside educational institutions.
Born in Naigaon, Maharashtra (then under the rule of Peshwas) on January 3rd, 1831. She studied at home and married Jyotirao Phule when she was only eleven years old. They were one of the first Indian couples to set up their own family planning clinic.
Story of Savitribai Phule
She had an early education in traditional Hindu texts but also learned about the British educational system from her husband, Jyotirao Phule. In 1851, Savitribai became the first female teacher in India when she opened a school for girls in her husband’s home.
Savitribai and Jyotirao were also active in the struggle against discrimination and untouchability. They founded the first women’s organization in India, the Satyashodhak Samaj, to promote education and social reform among women and Dalits (formerly known as “untouchables”). Savitribai was also the first woman in India to publish a book in Marathi.
India had a lot of social issues that needed to be addressed in early 1800s
One of these issues was the caste system, which divided people into different social classes based on their occupation. The lower castes were treated unfairly and had few if any privileges. Savitri Bai Phule decided to dedicate her life to fighting for the rights of women and Dalits.
One of her most famous accomplishments is founding India’s first school for girls. She opened it in a small town called Bhide Wada, near Pune. The name of the school was “Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha” or Protection Home for Girls. Savitribai Phule was passionate about educating girls because education was only taught to boys and men at the time.
She also started a magazine called “Bhentuklya” to spread awareness about social issues, especially the mistreatment of women in society at that time.
Savitribai Phule is remembered as one of India’s most prominent individuals during the 1800s because of her tireless efforts to improve the lives of women and Dalits. Despite the obstacles they faced, Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule worked tirelessly to promote education and social reform for women and Dalits in India. Their legacy continues to inspire people around the world that has inspired the next generations of social leaders.
Her Later Years
Jyotirao Phule, who insisted on her attending the professional training school, educated Savitribai. She and a classmate, Fatima Shaikh, both passed the school entrance exam with flying colors. After completing her schooling, she and Jyoti Rao Phule established a girl’s school in Bhide Wada, Pune, on January 1, 1848. There were nine girls from various castes who enrolled. Five schools were founded in 1848, with Savitribai as the first female educator. The Maharashtra government-aided Jyoti Rao Phule and Savitribai because of their tireless efforts to improve women’s education.
Some famous quotes by Savitribai Phule
“It is the duty of every cultured person to read literature and poetry.”
“I would like to be remembered as someone who fought for women’s rights, children’s rights and weaker sections of society.
“Educate a woman and you educate a generation.”
“What is happening today in the name of religion is not at all in accordance with our scriptures.”
“We need not shed tears for what we have lost, but smile for what we still have.”
Savitribai Phule
“I will work until women can do as much as men.”
Originally published at https://blogs.dynamind.co on January 4, 2022.
