Rapid Fire
Birth Anniversary of Savitribai Phule
- 05 Jan 2026
- 3 min read
Recently, the Union Home and Cooperation Minister paid tribute to Savitribai Phule on her 194th birth anniversary on 3rd January 2026.
About Savitribai Phule
- Savitribai Phule was born on 3rd January 1831 in Satara (Maharashtra). She rose from illiteracy to become India’s first female teacher and a pioneering feminist–social reformer from the Mali community.
- At the age of 9, she was married to Jyotiba Phule, who took charge of her education.
Contributions
- Social Mobilisation for Women’s Rights: In 1848, she founded India’s first Indian-run girls’ school at Bhide Wada, Pune and institutionalised inclusive education through dedicated reformist trusts like the Native Female School, Pune and the Society for Promoting the Education of Mahars, Mangs and Etceteras in the 1850s.
- In 1852, she founded the Mahila Seva Mandal to create awareness about women’s rights and simultaneously campaigned against child marriage and supported widow remarriage.
- In 1863, Jyotirao and Savitribai founded Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha, India's first home to combat female infanticide, support pregnant and exploited Brahmin widows and nurture their children.
- Champion of Caste and Gender Equality: She institutionalised social equality by opening schools for marginalised and “untouchable” communities and by initiating the first Satyashodhak marriage, dowry-free, priest-free and non-Brahminical, challenging caste and patriarchal hierarchies in colonial India.
- Literary Contribution: She authored Kavya Phule (1854) and Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar (1892) using poetry to promote education and social liberation among oppressed communities.
- Martyr of Compassion: Savitribai Phule died in 1897 while caring for a patient affected by the bubonic plague, symbolising selfless public service.
| Read more: Savitri Bai Phule |
