Savitribai Phule Jayanti: January 3 marks the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, who is the first schoolteacher in India.
Savitribai Phule broke the traditional stereotypes in British Colonised India when women’s grievances were rarely heard. Savitribai Phule and her husband Jyotirao Phule opened India’s first school for women in Pune in the year 1848. She also founded 17 more schools.
Some Facts About Savitribai Phule
- Savitri was born into a family of farmers in Naigaon district, Maharashtra on January 3, 1831. At the age of 9, she was married to a 12-year-old Jyotirao Phule
- Phule wrote the famous poem “Go Get Education” where she encouraged oppressed classes to get educated
- Her first collection of poems “Kavya Phule” was published in 1854 emphasizing the importance of education
- Becoming fond of teaching, Savitribai was trained at Ms. Farar’s Institution, Ahmednagar, and in Ms. Mitchell’s school, Pune to become the first female teacher who inspired young girls
- Savitribai Phule died at 66 years of age in Pune. However, her legacy continues to inspire us
