Savitribai Phule
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Savitribai Phule (1831 in Naygav, Satara, India - 1897) was a social reformer (along with her husband, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule) and worker towards women's rights in India during the British Raj.
She was the first female teacher of the first women's school in Pune. Women's education, liberating women from the cultural patterns of the male-dominated society, widow remarriages, and removal of untouchability became a mission of life for her. In 1852 she opened a school for Untouchable girls. In 1868 she welcomed Untouchables to take water from her well. In 1873 she adopted the son of a widow.
She was largely opposed by the Pune public; at that time, women in India were denied education. She was an active member of Satya Shodhak Samaj.
Recently the Maharashtra government started an award in her name for Women Who Work Social Causes.
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Savitribai Phule (1831-1897) was the first female teacher in modern Maharashtra. She marrie Jotiba when she was nine. She studied with his support. In 1848, they opened five schools in Pune. In 1851, they opened a special school for girls of lower caste. Savitribai opened an orphanage for widows. Jotiba and Savitribai opposed idolatory and cahmpioned the cause of peasants and workers. Both faced social isolation and vicious attacks from the people whom they questioned. Savitribai's letters give us a good idea about the experiences of women during this social movement. On her death anniversary, a postage stamp wasreleased by the Department of Post and Telegraph.
