Savitribai Phule

On this date India is celebrating the 192^nd birth anniversary of Savithribai Phule, a pioneer who challenged oppressive social norms in her quest for women’s education, equality and justice.

Savitribai, a Mali Dalit woman, was born on January 3, 1831, in the Naigaon village of Maharashtra.
She was married off at the tender age of ten, and it is reported that her husband, Jyotirao Phule, taught her at home.
Later, Jyotirao allowed Savitribai to enrol in a Pune school for teachers training. The pair helped each other throughout their lives, trying to break down numerous societal barriers in the process.
In 1848, the pair opened a school for females in Bhidewada, Pune, during a period when it was thought improper for women to even pursue education. This became the first girls’ school in the India.

The Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha, also known as the “Home for the Prevention of Infanticide,” was established by Savitribai and Jyotirao for pregnant widows who were subjected to prejudice.
This was motivated by a turn of events in the Andaman Islands, when a young Brahmin widow was given a life sentence for the murder of her unborn child.
Among other social issues, Savitribai Phule supported inter-caste marriages, widow remarriage, the abolition of child marriage, sati, and dowry systems.
The Phules also raised Yashwantrao, a widow’s child who was adopted, to be a doctor.
The Phules founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (‘Truth-seekers’ association’) in 1873 with the sole purpose of promoting social equality.
This forum was open to everyone, regardless of caste, religion, or class hierarchies.
In addition, they began “Satyashodhak Marriage,” which rejects Brahmanical ceremonies and requires the couple getting married to promise to promote equality and education.

Source The Hindu

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