Savitribai Phule: The mother of modern education and pioneer of Indian feminism

By Dr Kapilendra Das* 

In the pantheon of India’s social reformers, Savitribai Phule stands tall as a beacon of education, empowerment and resistance. Often called the “Mother of Modern Education in India,” Savitribai was not only the country’s first female teacher but also a fearless feminist and a relentless social reformer who dared to question the oppressive norms of her time. Her life’s mission was clear: to educate the uneducated, uplift the downtrodden, and liberate women from the shackles of patriarchy and caste.

At a time when women were largely confined to domestic spaces and denied formal education, Savitribai Phule envisioned a different India—one where every woman, Dalit and Bahujan could access knowledge and dignity. She believed education was not just a privilege but a right, and worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life.

Born on January 3, 1831, into the Mali community, a backward caste considered “Shudra,” Savitribai was married at the age of nine to Jyotirao Phule—himself a reformer ahead of his time. Though illiterate at the time of her marriage, she was educated by her husband, who recognized her potential. Savitribai’s academic journey began at home and led her to complete teacher training under American missionary Cynthia Farrar in Ahmadnagar and at a normal school in Pune. By 1847, she became India’s first trained female teacher and headmistress.

Savitribai and Jyotirao together waged a revolutionary campaign for female education. In 1848, alongside Jyotirao Phule and Sagunabai Kshirsagar, she established India’s first school for girls in Bhidewada, Pune. It started modestly with six students but rapidly grew, marking a watershed moment in the history of Indian education. The curriculum included mathematics, science, and social studies—subjects never before taught to girls. In just a few years, the Phules were running three schools for girls with over 150 students from various castes.

Yet, their path was anything but easy. Orthodox society was outraged at the idea of educating girls and Dalits. Savitribai was routinely abused, pelted with stones and cow dung on her way to school. But she refused to be silenced. Alongside her close companion and India’s first Muslim woman teacher, Fatima Shaikh, she continued teaching from the home of Usman Shaikh after being ostracised by the community.

In 1852, Savitribai’s efforts earned recognition from the British government, which honoured her as an exemplary teacher. But education was only one facet of her activism. She fought fiercely against social evils such as child marriage, sati, dowry, untouchability, and the marginalisation of widows. In 1863, she founded the Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha to prevent female infanticide, especially among Brahmin widows.

Together, the Phules established two educational trusts to promote education among Dalits, Mangs, and other marginalised groups. They opened 18 schools, introduced stipends to encourage girls to attend, and led public awareness campaigns to promote social reform. The couple also founded the Satya Shodhak Samaj, a progressive organisation dedicated to eradicating caste discrimination and supporting widow remarriage and inter-caste unions.

Savitribai’s advocacy extended beyond activism. She was also a poet whose verses powerfully reflected her vision of a just and educated society. One of her poignant sayings remains deeply relevant: “A woman without education is like a banyan tree without roots or leaves.”

Even after 77 years of independence, India continues to grapple with many of the injustices Savitribai fought against. Caste-based discrimination persists in schools, Dalit children are still humiliated and marginalised, and women—especially Dalit women—face intersecting inequalities. Her life reminds us that the fight for dignity and education is far from over.

Savitribai Phule passed away on March 10, 1897, while caring for plague victims, contracting the disease herself. She died as she lived—serving others.

Her life is a testament to courage, conviction and compassion. She remains a towering symbol of India’s feminist movement, a pioneer of inclusive education, and a fearless voice against social injustice. Today, every educated Indian woman—and every child from a marginalised background—owes a debt to Savitribai Phule.

She was not just the first female teacher of India. She was, and remains, the mother of modern Indian education.

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*Educationist