Last updated: Jan 03, 2023, 7:45 AM IST
Savitribai Phule was India’s first female teacher and India’s first headmistress. (Representative image: Shutterstock)
With the help of her husband Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai founded what is believed to be the first school for girls in India
SAVITRIBAI PHULE BIRTHDAY: Born on January 3, 1831, Savitribai Phule (née Patil) is one of India’s foremost social reformers. She was the first modern Indian woman to become a teacher when girls were not allowed to go to school. She was also a poet. On the occasion of her 192nd birthday, we take a look at some of Savitribai’s most significant achievements.
With the help of her husband Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai founded what is believed to be the first school for girls in India. The institution was established in Bhide Wada, Pune, in 1848. It will be rebuilt as a national monument and girls’ school.
Savitribai was illiterate when she was married off at the age of nine. However, Jyotiba was a progressive person who taught her to read and write. Savitribai completed her education and trained as a teacher. She became India’s first female teacher and India’s first headmistress.
Savitribai never forgot her past and in 1854 founded a shelter for child brides, widows and other women who were shunned by their families. She and her husband were thrown out of the house by her father-in-law for opening the girls’ school. Savitribai opened 17 more schools with Jyotiba.
Fatima Begum Sheikh, an educated woman and the sister of Jyotiba’s friend Usman Sheikh, joined Savitribai at Bhide Wada school. She became the first Muslim female teacher in the country.
Savitribai continued to educate girls and children of different castes despite repeated attacks from upper caste people. She was also against the Sati tradition. She and Jyotiba adopted Yashwantrao, the son of Kashibai, a widow who wanted to kill conservative Brahmins after her husband’s death.
Savitribai set up a center for pregnant rape victims called Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha, where she helped them give birth and protect their children. She also opened a clinic with Yashwantrao for bubonic plague victims in 1897.
On March 10, 1897, Savitribai died after contracting the illness from a 10-year-old boy she was trying to save. However, the boy survived.
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