Recently, the Prime Minister of India marked the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule by offering tributes to her legacy. Celebrated annually on January 3rd, this occasion honours a woman who has left an indelible mark in the history of India. Savitribai Phule was born in 1831 and is best remembered for her tireless efforts towards uplifting the status of women and untouchables in society. Along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she played a significant role in shaping the social fabric of the nation.
Introduction
Savitribai Phule, rightly called the ‘Mother of Indian Feminism’, was a prominent social reformer in the 19th century. Born into a family of farmers, she dared to challenge the long-held societal norms and prejudices against women and the oppressed classes.
Early Life and Marriage
Born in Naigaon, Maharashtra in 1831, Savitribai encountered social barriers and discrimination from an early age. She was wedded at the tender age of nine to Jyotirao Phule who recognized the potential in his young wife. Together, they started a revolution that would forever change the landscape of Indian society.
The Journey of Social Reforms
Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule began their journey with the mission to eradicate social evils like caste-based discrimination and gender injustices. Their efforts took concrete form when they started the first school for girls in Pune in 1848, a time when education for females was a taboo.
Savitribai as an Educationist
As an educationist, Savitribai believed that education was the key to empower the marginalized sections of society. Despite facing backlash, she continued to teach girls and lower-caste students. Her firm belief in equality and accessible education set the stage for numerous social reforms.
Struggle Against Caste and Gender Discrimination
Savitribai’s fight was not limited to education. She opposed caste discrimination and fought against child marriage and Sati, advocating widow remarriage and women’s rights. She set up a ‘Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha’, a care centre for pregnant rape victims, contributing much to the overall upliftment of women.
Poetess and Philanthropist
Savitribai was not just a reformer but also a poetess. Her poems mirrored the society she lived in. They were about the harsh realities faced by women and lower castes. As a philanthropist, she worked relentlessly during the famine and cholera outbreak in Maharashtra in 1876, eventually succumbing to the disease while caring for the affected.
Acknowledging the Legacy
Today, Savitribai Phule’s legacy lives on. It was her tireless efforts that laid the groundwork for the establishment of rights and privileges for women and lower castes in society. The perseverance and courage displayed by this remarkable woman are held in high regard in modern India.
Tributes from the Prime Minister
The recent tribute paid by the Prime Minister of India on her birth anniversary is a testament to her timeless legacy. He highlighted her contribution towards women empowerment and educational reforms, reminding the nation of her indomitable spirit and will.
To summarize, Savitribai Phule was a beacon of change in an otherwise conservative society. Her contribution to gender equality, education, and social justice continues to reverberate even in the present day, making her a figure of reverence and admiration.
Last Modified: February 23, 2024