January 3 marks the birth anniversary of a social reformer and feminist icon Savitribai Phule. Phule was born on January 3, 1831 in Maharashtra, and is remembered for her vital role in championing women rights in India.
Savitribai, together with her husband Jyotirao Phule, founded one of India's first girls' schools in Pune, at Bhide Wada, in 1848.
Apart from that, Savitribai Phule also broke the shackles of patriarchy by becoming the first Indian woman to become a teacher at a time when girls were not allowed to attend schools. She is also regarded as the first female teacher of India.
As India celebrates Savitribai Phule's birth anniversary, here are a few facts about her:
Phule was married off to Jyotiba at the age of nine. She was illiterate at the time, but her husband taught her to read and write at their home.
After completing her education, she enrolled herself in two teacher's training programs, one in Ahmedabad and another in Pune, according to reports. Following her training, she became India's first female teacher as well as the first Indian headmistress.
Savitribai Phule later established three schools for girls in Pune by the end of 1851, with her husband.
Phule later opened a women's shelter called the Home for the Prevention of Infanticide where widows could deliver their children and leave them for adoption if they wanted.
She was against the child marriage and strongly opposed the Sati tradition. Phule also set up a shelter home for widows.
{{/usCountry}}She was against the child marriage and strongly opposed the Sati tradition. Phule also set up a shelter home for widows.
{{/usCountry}}Savitribai also used her voice to raise awareness regarding widow remarriage.
In Bhida Wada school established by Savitribai Phule, she hired Fatima Begum Sheikh, who was the sister of Jyotiba’s friend Usman Sheikh. Fatima became the first Muslim woman teacher in the country, reports said.
Despite facing resistance from the local community with conservative views, Savitribai continued to teach girls and children of different castes.
She died on March 10, 1897 after contracting a disease while trying to save a 10-year-old boy.