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Early Life and Education
Birth in Naigaon, Maharashtra:-
Savitribai Phule is born in Naigaon, Satara district, Maharashtra, into a Mali (gardener) caste family.
She belongs to a community that was socially and educationally marginalized, making her later contributions even more significant. -
Early Life and Education
Marriage to Jyotirao Phule:-
At the age of 9, Savitribai marries Jyotirao Phule, who is 13 years old.
Jyotirao, recognizing her intelligence and potential, encourages her to pursue education—a revolutionary idea for women at the time. -
Early Life and Education
Begins Formal Education:-
Under Jyotirao’s guidance, Savitribai learns to read and write—an extraordinary step for a girl from a marginalized caste in 19th-century India. -
Early Life and Education
Completes Teacher Training:-
Savitribai receives training at Ms. Farar’s Institution in Ahmednagar and the Normal School in Pune, becoming one of India’s first trained female teachers. -
Pioneering Women’s Education
Opens the First Girls’ School in India:-
With Jyotirao’s support, Savitribai establishes India’s first school for girls at Bhide Wada, Pune.
The curriculum includes mathematics, science, and social studies, subjects that were traditionally reserved for men.
This school marks a revolution in women’s education in India. -
Pioneering Women’s Education
Collaborates with Fatima Sheikh to Expand Education:-
Fatima Sheikh, India’s first Muslim woman teacher, joins Savitribai in her mission.
Together, they start a new school at Usman Sheikh’s residence, promoting education for lower-caste and Muslim girls.
Savitribai and Fatima face severe opposition, with people throwing stones and dung at them on their way to school. -
Pioneering Women’s Education
Expands Educational Efforts:-
The Phule's establish three schools in Pune with a student strength of over 150 girls.
By this time, more girls are enrolled in their schools than boys in government schools—a groundbreaking achievement. -
Social Reform and Advocacy
Organizes the Mahila Seva Mandal:-
Savitribai starts the Mahila Seva Mandal (Women’s Service Group) in Pune.
The group raises awareness about women’s rights, gender equality, and challenges oppressive customs like child marriage and Sati.
She organizes public gatherings where women speak out against discrimination—a radical step in the 19th century. -
Social Reform and Advocacy
Writes and Publishes Poetry on Women’s Empowerment:-
Savitribai publishes "Kavya Phule" (Poetry Blossoms), her first collection of poems.
Her poetry addresses issues like caste oppression, gender discrimination, and the need for women’s education. -
Social Reform and Advocacy
Establishes a Night School for Women and Workers:-
To promote literacy among adult women and working-class people, Savitribai starts a night school for women.
This school allows widows, domestic workers, and lower-caste women to receive education. -
Social Reform and Advocacy
Opens the Infanticide Prevention Center:-
Savitribai and Jyotirao open a shelter home for pregnant widows to prevent female infanticide.
During this time, widows faced extreme societal oppression, and their newborns were often killed due to the stigma.
The Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha (Child-Killing Prevention Home) provides a safe space for widows to give birth and raise their children. -
Later Years and Legacy
Becomes a Key Leader in the Satyashodhak Samaj:-
Jyotirao establishes Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth-Seekers Society) to promote social equality and challenge the caste system.
Savitribai plays a crucial role, helping to organize marriages without dowry and caste restrictions. -
Later Years and Legacy
Takes Over the Leadership of Satyashodhak Samaj:-
After Jyotirao’s death on November 28, 1890, Savitribai becomes the head of Satyashodhak Samaj, continuing his legacy of social reform, women’s empowerment, and caste equality.
She presides over meetings and inspires other women to take leadership roles. -
Later Years and Legacy
Death While Serving Plague Victims:-
During the bubonic plague outbreak in Pune, Savitribai sets up a clinic to treat infected patients.
While tending to a sick patient, she contracts the disease and passes away on March 10, 1897.
Even in death, she symbolized selflessness and service to society. -
Lasting Impact and Recognition
India Issues a Postal Stamp in Her Honor:-
On her 167th birth anniversary, the Government of India releases a postage stamp in her honor, acknowledging her contributions to women’s education. -
Lasting Impact and Recognition
Posthumous Recognition:-
Savitribai’s contributions were largely ignored during colonial rule, but her work was rediscovered in the late 20th century.
Today, she is recognized as India’s first female teacher and a pioneer of women’s education. -
Lasting Impact and Recognition
Declared as ‘Balika Din’ (Girl Child Day) in Maharashtra:-
The Maharashtra government declares Savitribai Phule’s birthday as ‘Balika Din’ (Girl Child Day) to promote awareness about girls’ education and rights.