Savitribai Phule Birth Anniversary: 10 Quotes on Education, Women's Rights, and Social Justice That Still Resonate Today

Savitribai Phule, a trailblazer in the field of education and social reform during the 19th century, was born on January 3, 1831. Savitribai Phule is revered as India’s first female school teacher, who dedicated her life to the upliftment of women and untouchables through education and literacy.

Savitribai, at the age of 9, was married to Jyotirao Phule, an activist and social reformer. What set their union apart was Jyotirao’s unwavering support for Savitribai’s education and her endeavours in the field of social work. The collaborative efforts of Jyotirao and Savitribai bore fruit in 1848 with the establishment of India’s first school for girls, Bhide Wada, located in Pune.

Savitribai’s commitment to education extended beyond the establishment of schools. She pursued her teaching training at the American Missionaries Institute in Ahmednagar and Pune’s Normal School, equipping herself with the skills and knowledge needed to lead the charge for education and social change.

The Phule couple faced formidable challenges in convincing women and untouchables to embrace education when societal norms restricted access to knowledge. At the ages of 21 and 17, Jyotirao and Savitribai opened schools for women in 1848 — an initiative that paved the way for women’s education in India.

By 1851, the couple had established three schools, with Savitribai personally teaching 150 students. They set up an additional 17 schools across the country, extending their reach to Dalits and lower-caste women. The provision of stipends acted as an incentive, encouraging widespread attendance.

In 1852, she initiated the Mahila Seva Mandal, a platform aimed at creating awareness about women’s rights. Notably, this platform brought together members of all castes, challenging entrenched social hierarchies.

She also took a stand against prevailing social evils, leading campaigns against child marriage and advocating for widow remarriage. The Phules’ commitment to societal transformation extended to the establishment of the Literacy Mission in India in 1854-55, a crucial initiative in promoting education across the nation.

The Satyashodhak Samaj, founded by the Phules, sought to promote Satyashodhak marriage, a revolutionary concept in which no dowry was taken. This move challenged prevailing societal norms and aimed at fostering equality in marital relationships.

On the occasion of Savitribai Phule’s birth anniversary, here are some inspiring quotes by the legend:

1. Education is the great equaliser and it will take us out of our caves.
2. Laziness is a symptom of poverty. It is the enemy of knowledge, wealth, and honour and the lazy person gets none of it.
3. A woman without education is like a banyan tree without roots or leaves; she cannot provide for her children and stay alive herself.
4. The lack of learning is nothing but gross bestiality. It is through the acquisition of knowledge that (he) loses his lower status and achieves the higher one.
5. We shall overcome and success will be ours in the future. The future belongs to us.
6. I believe that education is the key to every woman’s liberation.
7. Awake, arise and educate, smash traditions – liberate.
8. All gets lost without knowledge, we become animal without wisdom.
9. Sit idle no more, go, get education. End the misery of the oppressed and forsaken.
10. If you have no knowledge, have no education, And you yearn not for the same, You possess intellect but work not on the same, How then can you be called a human being?