Who was India’s first woman teacher? People hurled stones and mud at her yet she never stopped going to teach
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Who was India’s first woman teacher? People hurled stones and mud at her yet she never stopped going to teach
New Delhi | The birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, a pioneering symbol of women’s empowerment and India’s first woman teacher, is being observed on Saturday. She was born on January 3, 1831, in Naigaon village of Maharashtra’s Satara district. Her father was Khandoji Nevase and her mother was Lakshmi.
Along with her husband Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule established India’s first school for girls in 1848 at Bhide Wada in Pune. This was a time when women’s education was viewed with deep prejudice and faced strong social resistance.
Savitribai Phule was not only an educator but also a reformer who designed curricula and wrote poetry to inspire women to pursue knowledge. Her efforts played a crucial role in encouraging women to step out of social restrictions and embrace education as a tool for empowerment.
Her life stood as a powerful example of courage and determination. Every day, she walked to school carrying an extra sari, as orthodox elements often hurled mud and stones at her in protest. Despite facing humiliation and hostility, she never wavered from her mission. Savitribai firmly believed that the future of India lay in the education of its daughters.
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On the occasion of her birth anniversary, several prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, paid tribute to her remarkable contributions to education, equality, and women’s rights.
In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi wrote, “On the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, we remember a pioneering social reformer who dedicated her life to social transformation through service and education. She remained committed to the values of equality, justice, and compassion. She believed education to be the most powerful instrument of social change and emphasized transforming lives through knowledge and learning. Her work for the underprivileged continues to inspire us.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid homage, stating on X, “‘Kranti Jyoti’ Savitribai Phule ignited the movement for education, equality, and women’s rights through her courage, struggle, and vision. Her life symbolizes social transformation and human dignity. On her birth anniversary, heartfelt tributes to Savitribai Phule, who devoted her entire life to the cause of women’s empowerment.”
Savitribai Phule’s legacy continues to inspire generations, standing as a timeless reminder of the transformative power of education and social reform.
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