The First Woman Teacher of India: Savitri Bai Phule

  The First Woman Teacher of India: Savitri Bai Phule

Satavahana University Kari- Degree Semester 5-English- 2021-22 onwards-Unit 3 

SRR Govt.College Karimnagar BCA Sem 2

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Q.1Savitribai Phule was a first-generation Indian feminist. Elucidate.

Q.2. Explain how Savitribai faced hardships in her quest to educate girls?

Q.#. How did Savitribai achieve her goal in life.? Elaborate.

This essay gives an insight into the inspirational life of Savitri Bhai Phule, who worked tirelessly for the education of girls and women's rights, especially those of lower castes. She is an educationist, feminist, social reformer, writer, and poet. India recognizes her as the first female teacher. She was married to Jyotirao Phule at the age of nine. Jyotirao Phule, a social reformer, writer, and activist, supported Savitribai's mission of educating girls. She advocated for widow remarriages and fought against child marriages and Sati practices.

She finished elementary school at home with help from her husband, Jyotirao Phule. After completing her formal education, she enrolled in teacher training courses and became the first female teacher in India.

She first taught girls at Maharwada in Pune, then started a school at Bhidiwada, along with Jyotirao and Sugunabai. They started three schools, adopting a teaching methodology that was different from the government schools. The growing popularity of girls' schools run by Phule made the Brahmin community angry. Despite threats and attacks from the upper castes, she continued her efforts to uplift women.

The Phule couple established two educational trusts, the Native Female School Pune and the Society for Promoting the Education of Mahars, Mangs, and Etceteras, bringing all schools under these trusts. Fatima Sheikh later headed these schools. Apart from the schools, Savitribai established Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha, a home for infanticide prevention for pregnant rape victims. She published Kavya Phule, Bhavan Kaashi Subodh Ratnakar, and Go Get Education, a poem encouraging oppressed classes to overcome hurdles with the help of education. As a feminist, she established the Mahila Seva Mandal to create awareness among women about their rights.

She worked at her adopted son Yashwant's clinic, where she risked her life to assist those afflicted with the plague. She attempted to save Pandurang Babaji Gaekwad’s son by carrying him on her back to the clinic. As a result, she contracted the dreadful virus and died of the bubonic plague on March 10, 1897.

 The University of Pune was renamed as the Savitribai Phule Pune University. In honor of Savitribai, the Indian government released a postal stamp. She will be remembered forever for her selfless service to poor women's education and empowerment.

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Short Answer Questions

1) How did Savitribai Phule strive for the emancipation of women?

She advocated for women's rights, widow remarriage, and fought against child marriages. In 1848, Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule founded the first school for girls and women in Bhidewada, Pune (Maharashtra). They were successful in establishing three schools with approximately 150 students in Pune by the end of 1851. She established 18 schools for girls and Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha, a home for the prevention of infanticide for pregnant rape victims. Fatima Sheikh , a colleague of Savitribai, later succeeded and headed these schools. She was one of the first Muslim teachers of modern India.

    The Phule couple established two educational trusts, the Native Female School Pune and the Society for Promoting the Education of Mahars, Mangs, and Etceteras, bringing all schools under these trusts.

2) What did Savitribai do for the cause of young widows and forlorn children?

She established a home  ( Balhatya Pratibndhak Griha ) to prevent infanticide among pregnant rape victims, ensuring safe deliveries and saving the lives of bereaved children. In the 19th century, child marriage was prevalent, leading to many young girls becoming widows even before reaching puberty. She advocated for widow remarriage through this home. 

3) What did you learn about Savitri Bai Phule from unfortunate events that led to her death?

Ans: She dedicated her life to the empowerment and upliftment of socially backward women. Even the fear of death did not deter her spirit. Though plague is a dreadful disease, she continued to serve people till her death. She worked at her adopted son Yashwant's clinic, where she risked her life to assist those afflicted with the plague. She attempted to save Pandurang Babaji Gaekwad’s son by carrying him on her back to the clinic. As a result, she contracted the dreadful virus and died of the bubonic plague on March 10, 1897.

Video lesson in English

https://youtu.be/6Q6TJKZYzKQ?si=1sCg9BeeSK71hGNz