Savitribai Phule was a philanthropist, educationist, and prolific Marathi writer who played a pivotal role in women’s education and empowerment. She was born on January 3, 1831, and today marks her 191st birth anniversary. Savitribai Phule championed education for girls and also spoke about women’s rights. Savitribai’s birth anniversary is also celebrated as Balika Din and Mahila Shiksha Din in many schools.
Savitribai Phule, the social reformer, is considered to be India’s first modern feminist. Phule was born in Naigaon, Maharashtra in 1831, and got married to activist and social reformer Jyotirao Phule when she was just nine years old. At the time of her marriage, Savitribai was illiterate but her husband Jyotirao educated her at their home. After that, she enrolled herself in two teacher’s training programs. She became India’s first female teacher when setting up the first school for girls along with her husband Jyotirao Phule on January 1, 1848, in Bhide Wada in Pune, Maharashtra. The first batch consisted of 8 girls. During those days, women were not allowed to work outside. So when Savitribai used to head to school, she used to get verbally abused and pelted with stones, rotten eggs and cow-dung by orthodox people but that didn’t stop her and by the year 1851, she was running three schools for 150 girl students. Throughout her life, she made important teachings and quotes on education.
Here are three inspirational quotes by Savitribai Phule that are still an inspiration for the modern generation:
1. On doing her bit for the future
“You have started the benevolent and welfare work for the poor and the needy. I also want to carry my share of the responsibility. I assure you I will always help you. I wish the godly work will be helped by more people.”
2. On learning and knowledge
“The lack of learning is nothing but gross bestiality. It is through the acquisition of knowledge that (he) loses his lower status and achieves the higher one.”
3. On success
We shall overcome and success will be ours in the future. The future belongs to us.
Savitribai is one of the first published women in modern India who raised her voice and demanded equal rights when women were suppressed. Savitribai’s works advocated values such as humanism, liberty, equality, brotherhood, rationalism and the importance of education.
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When her husband passed away, Savitribai Phule broke another taboo and led the funeral procession and carried the funeral mud-pot herself. In 1897, when Pune was hit by the plague, she carried a 10-year-old boy to the clinic strapped to her back. The boy recovered but Savitribai caught the infection and passed away in March 1897.
Savitribai Phule is an iconic figure, every Indian woman who is educated is grateful for Savitribai and her dedication towards girl education. She understood the true meaning of women’s liberation and broke stereotypes.