Information About Savitribai Phule –
Today we are going to discuss about Savitribai Phule Jayanti, Biography and History. Savitribai Phule, born on January 3, 1831 in the Indian state of Maharashtra, was a social reformer, teacher and pioneer in the struggle for women’s rights in the 19th century. Along with her husband Jyoti Rao Phule, she played a pivotal role in revolutionizing social norms in India, especially in supporting women’s education. By establishing the first girls’ school in Pune in 1848, Savitribai Phule rebelled against the prevailing norms of the time and provided educational opportunities denied to women. Her unwavering dedication to promoting education, empowering women and eradicating social injustice made her a pioneer in the field of education and social reform in India. A visionary and fearless advocate for social equality, Savitribai Phule’s legacy continues to inspire generations and leave an indelible mark on the history of progressive movements in India.
Savitribai Phule Biography
Early life
Savitribai Phule was born on 3 January 1831 in Naigaon, Maharashtra. She was the youngest daughter of Lakshmi and Khandoji Nevase Patil, both of whom belonged to the Mali community. Savitribai married Jyotirao Phule at the age of 9 or 10 and they had no children of their own. Jyotirao educated Savitribai and his cousin Sagunabai Shirsagar in their home along with working on their farm. Once she completed her primary education with Jyotiraa, her further education was the responsibility of his friends, Sacharam Yeshwant Paranjpe and Keshav Shivram Bhavalkar. She also enrolled in two teacher training programs; the first was at an institution run by the American missionary Cynthia Farrar in Ahmednagar, and the second course was at a normal school in Poona (now Pune). Due to her education, Savitribai could have been India’s first female teacher and headmistress.
Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule were the pioneers of women’s education in India. They started their first school for girls in 1848 in Pune at the residence of Tatyasaheb Bhide or Bhidewada. Savitribai played a vital role in improving women’s rights in India and is considered a pioneer of the Indian feminist movement. It sought to eliminate discrimination and unfair treatment of people on the basis of caste and gender.
Education
Savitribai Phule was illiterate at the time of her marriage. Jyotirao Phule educated Savitribai and his cousin Sagunabai Shirsagar in their house along with working on their farm. Once she completed her primary education with Jyotiraa, her further education was the responsibility of his friends, Sacharam Yeshwant Paranjpe and Keshav Shivram Bhavalkar. She also enrolled in two teacher training programs; the first was at an institution run by the American missionary Cynthia Farrar in Ahmednagar, and the second course was at a normal school in Poona (now Pune). Due to her education, Savitribai could have been India’s first female teacher and headmistress.
Savitribai Phule was a social reformer, poet and one of the first female teachers in India. Along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, she played a vital role in improving women’s rights in India and is considered a pioneer of the Indian feminist movement. It sought to eliminate discrimination and unfair treatment of people on the basis of caste and gender.
After completing her teacher training, Savitribai Phule started teaching girls at Maharwada in Pune2. She also wrote several poems and books on social issues. One of her notable works is ‘Bavankashi Subodh Ratnakar’ which is a biography of Jyotirao Phule.
Career
Savitribai Phule was a pioneering figure in the field of education and social reforms in India. Here are some key points about her career:
- Savitribai Phule was one of the first female teachers in India.
- Along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, she played a significant role in improving women’s rights in India.
- She is considered a pioneer of the Indian feminist movement.
- It sought to abolish discrimination and unfair treatment of people on the basis of caste and gender.
- Savitribai and her husband were pioneers in women’s education in India. They started their first school for girls in 1848 in Pune at the residence of Tatyasaheb Bhide or Bhidewada.
- After completing her teacher training, Savitribai Phule started teaching girls in Poona.
- She is credited with founding the first school for girls in Pune, and her efforts to eliminate caste and gender discrimination earned her a place as a pioneer in the Indian feminist movement.
- Savitribai Phule fought against child marriage and the practice of sati and advocated widow remarriage.
- She is highly regarded as an icon of the Dalit Mang caste, alongside figures like B. R. Ambedkar and Annabhau Sathe.
- Savitribai Phule actively worked against caste and gender discrimination and spoke out against the practices of untouchability.
Personal life
She was the youngest daughter of Lakshmi and Khandoji Nevase Patil, both of whom belonged to the Mali community. She had three siblings.
At the age of nine, she married Jyotirao Phule who was 13 years old. Jyotirao Phule was a thinker, writer, social activist and anti-caste social reformer2. He is counted among the leading personalities of the social reform movement of Maharashtra.
Savitribai and Jyotirao had no children of their own. They are said to have adopted Yashawantrao, a son born to a Brahmin widow. However, no original evidence is yet available to support this. It is said that when Yashwant was about to get married, no one was willing to give him a girl because he was born to a widow. Savitribai therefore arranged a marriage in February 18891 with the daughter of her organizer Dynoba Sasana.
Death
Savitribai Phule, a prominent Indian social reformer, educator and poet, died on March 10, 18971. She was one of the first female teachers in India and played a vital role in improving women’s rights2. She died at the age of 66 from bubonic plague. Her legacy of bravery, determination and kindness continues to inspire many. Savitribai Phule Jayanti celebrate in 3 January
Poetry and other work
Savitribai Phule was a notable poet and author. She published two collections of poems – Kavya Phule and Bhavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar. Her most famous poem is called “Go, Get an Education” and was intended to encourage women to educate themselves as the best means of combating inequality.
Here is an excerpt from one of her poems:
Wake up, rise up and educate yourself
Break traditions – set them free!
Let’s meet and learn
politics-justice-religion,
He doesn’t sleep, but he blows his trumpet
O Brahman, do not dare to get angry.
Give a war cry, get up quickly
Stand up, learn and act.
She used her poems to defend values such as humanism, freedom, equality, fraternity, rationalism and the importance of education. Savitribai Phule was the first Indian woman whose poems received recognition from the British Indian Empire. Known as the “Mother of Modern Poetry”, she emphasized the importance of English and education in her poems. Her literary contribution changed the perspective and approach of feminist literature. She was an anti-caste activist who raised issues of caste and gender through her writings and speeches as well as through direct intervention.
Legacy
Savitribai Phule’s legacy is immense and continues to inspire many. Here are some key aspects of her lasting legacy:
Pioneer of Women’s Education: Savitribai Phule along with her husband Jyotirao Phule were pioneers of women’s education in India. They started their first school for girls in 1848 in Pune at the residence of Tatyasaheb Bhide or Bhidewada.
Social reformer: She sought to abolish discrimination and unfair treatment of people on the basis of caste and gender. She made great efforts for the education and emancipation of child widows, campaigned against child marriage and sati pratha and promoted widow remarriage.
Dalit Mang Caste Icon: She is considered as the Dalit Mang caste icon along with people like B. R. Ambedkar and Annabhau Sathe. She campaigned against untouchability and actively worked to eliminate caste and gender discrimination.
Pioneer of Indian Feminist Movement: Savitribai Phule is considered to be the pioneer of Indian Feminist Movement. About 150 years ago, Savitribai shattered patriarchal and anti-women beliefs and gave a new definition of women’s emancipation.
Her work for education and women’s rights is highly respected today. Her courage and determination to challenge the status quo and strive for equality and justice left an indelible mark on Indian society. Her life and work continue to inspire generations to fight for equality and social justice.
Top 20 Savitribai Phule Jayanti Quotes.
- “Educate, agitate, organize.”
- “Wake up, rise up, educate yourself. Break the traditions, break free.”
- “Teach your daughters the self-respect and rights they deserve.”
- “The only cure for the oppressed is education.”
- “Let us strive for social equality and justice for all.”
- “Knowledge is the light that enlightens the mind.”
- “Education is an instrument of social and personal transformation.”
- “Empowerment comes through education and awareness.”
- “Society can only develop when its women are educated.”
- “Stand up against injustice, ignorance and discrimination.”
- “Education is the most powerful weapon to change society.”
- “Break the chains of ignorance with the power of education.”
- “Equality should be the cornerstone of our society.”
- “Let education be a weapon in the fight against social evil.”
- “Education is not only for oneself, but for the betterment of society.”
- “Empowerment begins with education and ends with liberation.”
- “To elevate society, educate its women.”
- “Believe in the power of education to change lives.”
- “Every child has the right to learn and grow.”
- “Strive for a society where education is accessible to all, regardless of gender or caste.”
सावित्रीबाई फुले मराठीतील कोट्स
- “शिक्षित करा, आंदोलन करा, संघटित करा.”
- “जागे, उठा, स्वतःला शिक्षित करा. परंपरा मोडा, मुक्त करा.”
- “तुमच्या मुलींना त्यांचा स्वाभिमान आणि हक्क शिकवा.”
- “पीडितांवर एकच इलाज आहे तो म्हणजे शिक्षण.”
- “सामाजिक समता आणि सर्वांना न्याय मिळावा यासाठी प्रयत्न करूया.”
- “ज्ञान हा प्रकाश आहे जो मनाला प्रकाश देतो.”
- “शिक्षण हे सामाजिक आणि वैयक्तिक परिवर्तनाचे साधन आहे.”
- “शिक्षण आणि जागरूकता याद्वारे सक्षमीकरण येते.”
- “समाजाचा विकास तेव्हाच होऊ शकतो जेव्हा स्त्रिया शिक्षित असतात.”
- “अन्याय, अज्ञान आणि भेदभावाविरुद्ध उभे रहा.”
- “शिक्षण हे समाज बदलण्याचे सर्वात शक्तिशाली शस्त्र आहे.”
- “शिक्षणाच्या सामर्थ्याने अज्ञानाच्या साखळ्या तोडा.”
- “समानता हा आपल्या समाजाचा पाया असला पाहिजे.”
- “सामाजिक दुष्प्रवृत्तींविरुद्धच्या लढ्यात शिक्षणाला एक शस्त्र बनू द्या.”
- “शिक्षण हे केवळ स्वतःसाठी नाही तर समाजाच्या भल्यासाठी आहे.”
- “सक्षमीकरणाची सुरुवात शिक्षणाने होते आणि मुक्तीसह समाप्त होते.”
- “समाजाची उन्नती करण्यासाठी, तेथील महिलांना शिक्षित करा.”
- “जीवन बदलण्यासाठी शिक्षणाच्या सामर्थ्यावर विश्वास ठेवा.”
- “प्रत्येक मुलाला शिकण्याचा आणि वाढण्याचा अधिकार आहे.”
- “अशा समाजासाठी प्रयत्न करा जिथे लिंग किंवा जातीची पर्वा न करता सर्वांसाठी शिक्षण उपलब्ध असेल.”
Top 10 Savitribai Phule books
- “Savitribai Phule: A Biography” by Helen C. Chuckrow
- “Savitribai Phule: A Visionary of Women’s Education” by Meera Kosambi
- “Savitribai Phule: Voice of the Oppressed” by Neera Desai
- “Savitribai Phule: India’s First Woman Teacher” by M. L. Dhawale
- “Savitribai Phule: India’s First Modern Feminist” by Maithreya Krishnaraj
- “Savitribai Phule: Bhartiya Jyotirmayi” by Suman Sharma
- “Savitribai Phule: Shikshakiya Rashtramat” by Dhananjay Keer
- “Savitribai Phule: Samajik Krantikari” by S.P. Sanmane
- “Savitribai Phule: Lokshahiranchya Lokpriya Nibandh” edited by Bhalchandra Nemade
- “Savitribai Phule: A Chronology of Her Life” by M. L. Dhawale
Savitribai Phule UPSC Important Questions
In the UPSC exam, candidates may come across questions or topics related to:
Social Reform Movements: Savitribai Phule’s role in social reform movements, especially her efforts to promote education for women and marginalized communities, could be part of the issues related to social reforms in 19th century India.
Women’s Empowerment and Education: Her pioneering work in establishing girls’ schools and her efforts to promote women’s education can be part of issues related to women’s empowerment and education initiatives in India.
Contribution to Indian Society: Questions may focus on her contribution to Indian society, her advocacy of the rights of oppressed communities, and her role in the larger context of social change and enlightenment during her era.
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