Savitribai Phule, a name etched in history, will always be remembered for her extraordinary zeal in championing the cause of women’s education. Her unwavering determination in the face of societal opposition and personal hardships left an indelible mark on the social reform movement in 19th-century Bharat.
Born on January 3, 1831, in Naigaon village in Maharashtra’s Satara district, Savitribai was the daughter of Khandoji Newse-Patil and Laxmibai. Raised in a small village where education for women was unimaginable, her path to social change was shaped by the challenges of a conservative society. At just nine years old, Savitribai was married to Jyotiba Phule, a visionary who would become a leading social reformer. Despite the large age gap—Jyotiba was 13—Savitribai’s life was forever intertwined with his mission of eradicating caste discrimination and advocating for equality.
While Jyotiba fought against social injustices, Savitribai recognised the importance of women’s education in bringing about lasting societal change. In 1848, Savitribai defied the deeply entrenched patriarchal norms by opening the first school exclusively for girls in Pune. Situated in an area dominated by orthodox communities opposed to female education, her efforts were met with brutal resistance. Despite being physically attacked, threatened, and verbally abused, Savitribai remained steadfast in her mission.
Her school at Bhide Wada became a landmark of change and was the starting point for a wave of education initiatives for girls. Over the course of just four years, she opened 18 schools, breaking barriers in a society resistant to change. Her dedication to the cause earned her the title of Bharat’s first female teacher.
Beyond her focus on women’s education, Savitribai was a tireless social reformer. She established a home for the prevention of infanticide, offered shelter to widows, and supported the adoption of children by those in need. A vocal critic of child marriage and the Sati tradition, she advocated for the remarriage of widows and raised awareness on numerous pressing issues.
Her humanitarian efforts extended during the devastating 1876-77 drought, when she spearheaded relief work for farmers and even ensured that commercial sex workers received aid, demonstrating her deep compassion for marginalised communities. In 1893, she presided over the Satyashodhak Parishad in Saswad, near Pune. Additionally, Savitribai published a series of books, including the poetry collection Kavyafule, in which she expressed her thoughts on social issues, further cementing her role as a key figure in Bharat’s social reform movement.
Savitribai was a devoted wife, standing by her husband’s side through thick and thin. During a period when Jyotiba Phule was bedridden due to paralysis, Savitribai took on the responsibility of caring for him, despite their growing isolation from society due to their progressive views. After Jyotiba’s death in 1890, Savitribai faced immense societal pressure, but she stood firm. She led her husband’s funeral procession—an act that was both unprecedented and controversial—breaking traditional norms.
In the face of unrelenting hardships, Savitribai continued her mission until the end of her life. In 1897, during the outbreak of a plague in Pune, Savitribai began working with the sick, ultimately contracting the disease herself. She passed away on March 10, 1897, leaving behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and transformative change.
Savitribai Phule’s life is a testament to the strength of conviction and the power of education in bringing about social reform. Through her bold actions, she has inspired countless individuals to continue the fight for equality, making her one of Bharat’s most important and enduring social reformers.
