On her 127th Death Anniversary, we remember the lady who changed the face of the rights of women in India. Here are a few things to know about Savitribai Phule
Savitribai Phule was born in a family of farmers in Naigaon, Maharashtra. She played an important role in improving women's conditions and became the pioneer of women's education in the country.
1. Savitribai Phule is hailed as India's one of the first modern feminists.
2. Married at the tender age of nine, she fought against social evils like child marriage and sati pratha.
3. She laid emphasis on educating women and along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she opened the first school for girls in India. They together went on to open 18 schools for girls.
4. She not only worked for women's rights but also championed the cause of fighting against the practice of corrupt caste system.
5. She opening up a well for the untouchables in her own house was an act resulting from her vehement defiance to untouchability and her compassion for the outcast.
6. Savitribai Phule was not just a social reformer but also a philosopher and a poet. Her poetry mostly revolved around nature, education and the abolition of caste system.
7. She observed the miserable conditions of pregnant rape victims and therefore, along with her husband, opened a care centre "Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha".
8. In order to reduce the miseries of the widows, she organised and led a strike against the barbers to dissuade them from shaving the heads of the widows which was a norm back in those days.
9. In order to encourage students to study and reduce the drop-out rate, she used to give stipends to children for attending school.
10. At a time when caste system was embedded in Indian society, she promoted inter-caste marriages. She along with her husband founded the Satyashodhak samaj which used organise marriages without a priest and dowry.
The Phule couple was honored by the government for their commendable efforts in the field of education. Truly, Savitribai Phule was a lady ahead of her time.
Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/savribai-phule-women-rights-first-girls-school-savitribai-anniversary-modern-feminist-1121239-2018-01-03
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