SavitribaiPhule was India’s first female teacher, social reformer, and Marathi poetess. She was born on January 3, 1831, in Naigaon, Maharashtra. SavitribaiPhule was the first principal of India’s first girls’ school and the founder of the first farmer’s school. In 1852, she established a school for girls, which was a challenging task at the time. When she used to go to school, opponents would throw stones at her and even throw dirt on her. Savitribai used to carry a sari in her bag and change into it after reaching school when her clothes were dirtied.
Savitribai was married to JyotiraoPhule in 1840. Her husband was also a prominent leader of the social reform movement. Together, they established a shelter for widows, which housed destitute women and child brides abandoned by their families. In 1863, Jyotirao and Savitribai started a care center called the “BalhatyaPratibandhakGriha,” which was possibly the first such institution in India. It provided a safe place for pregnant Brahmin widows and rape victims to keep their children, thereby preventing both widow murders and infant killings.
In 1874, Jyotirao and Savitribai adopted a child from a Brahmin widow named Kashibai, sending a strong message to progressive people in society. This adopted son, Yashwantrao, grew up to become a doctor. Jyotirao was Savitribai’s mentor, teacher, and supporter. The purpose of Savitribai’s life was to promote widow remarriage, eradicate untouchability, liberate women, and educate Dalit women. Both husband and wife dedicated their entire lives to these objectives.
During the plague epidemic, Savitribai served plague patients. Unfortunately, she contracted the disease from an infected child she was caring for, leading to her death on March 10, 1897.
