Savitribai Phule is the lady who transformed the history of women’s rights in India. She was one of the very few Indian women from her century who comprehended the true sense of feminism and fought strongly for it. Through her rebellious life journey, she transformed the lives of countless Indians.

Today, many Indian states celebrate Savitribai Phule Jayanti every year with special celebrations across the country, particularly Maharashtra, which is her birthplace. She was born in the Satara district of Maharashtra on January 3, 1831, at a time when women’s rights did not even exist. Yet, Savitribai defied all the social depravities and played a prominent role in enhancing women’s rights in India. 

This year, we are celebrating the 191st birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, and on this auspicious occasion, we present you some great facts about Savitribai Phule...!

• Savitribai Phule along with her husband Jyotirao Phule started India’s first girl’s school at Pune in 1848. The girls learned different subjects like social studies, science, and mathematics in this school. To motivate the children to attend school, the couple even offered stipends to students. Gradually, both of them opened a total of 18 schools.
• The social activist raised issues about caste discrimination through her literature. She also opened up a well for the untouchables in her house in defiance of the caste system.
• Savitribai started “Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha”, which was a care center for pregnant rape victims.
• To raise awareness of women’s rights, Savitribai also started the Mahila Seva Mandal, a meeting place for women to consult critical issues involving women’s rights.
• In 1897 when the bubonic plague triggered, Savitribai Phule and her adopted son Yashwant began a clinic to support the diseased people. Savitribai died due to the plague on March 10 in the same year, after she carried an infected person on her back to the hospital.

Savitribai Phule lived for the welfare of her people till her last breath. And even today, her brave stories and remarkable work in literature encourage millions to accomplish something prominent in life. Savitribai rightfully utilized education as a cultural tool and acknowledged that education can be a path that can liberate our people. Savitribai Phule was an inspiring woman not just for her times, but she remains an inspiration for our times as well. 

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