‘Narishakti’ that immortalized ‘equality’ across the world; Nation bows down to legendary Savitribai Phule

Mumbai, March 10: The journey led by a lady who strived hard to signify the women’s education and their liberal importance in a patriarchal society was carved in the history forever. A pioneer that represents the dignity of women with principles of humanity, equality and justice was none other than – Savitribai Phule. Nation bows down before this immortal to honor the contributions that led us to live with the literate approach.

 

Thanks to the lady who brought ‘gender equality’ to practice in that era where girls were not even considered. Nation recalls the soul who enlightened society with knowledge and willful approach.

 

 

 

 

Though we live in the 21st century, India still has such corners where women are not treated as equal as men. They are not given the education, their dignity which they deserve. Savitribai Phule was an example to demolish such corners which she began way early along with her husband Jyotirao Phule who educated her and made her realize the importance of education for everyone. They both dedicated their life to spreading education and knowledge.

Savitribai Phule chose the battlefield that aimed to inspire every woman despite race, caste, color, creed they belong to. Savitribai Phule became the first female teacher of the first women’s school in India.

Savitribai Phule and Jyotirao Phule were engaged in a passionate struggle to build a movement for equality between men and women and a fight against the caste system. They started the first school in the country for girls, encouraged a ‘home for the prevention of infanticide’ in their own house, to ensure the safety of pregnant and exploited widows. They were against child marriage and supported widow remarriages. They had no children of their own but adopted a child of a Brahmin widow, Kashibai, educating him and arranging an inter-caste marriage for him.

In the year 1897 which was struck with the menace of plague. People were dying in hundreds daily in Pune. Savitribai along with Yeshwant set up a hospital to take care of the patients. She would herself pick up sick people and bring them to the hospital and treat them. Even though she knew that the disease was contagious, she continued to serve them till the plague took her own life. As soon as she came to know that the son of Pandurang Babaji Gaekwad in the Mahar settlement outside the village of Mundhwa was afflicted with plague, she went there and rushed back to the hospital with the sick child on her back. She caught the disease in this process and at 9 pm on March 10, 1897, she passed away.10

10th March 1897, the example was set in the history for all of us as inspiration and knowledge is yet to get implemented in our real lives. We need to look up at the dedication level set by Savitribai Phule towards the welfare of the society what may come. Her struggle against patriarchy, caste system, discrimination, eradicating the untouchability got a big blow and the flame is still burning. Let us stand for these principles. It’s a tribute on this day to salute her willpower and dedication for the betterment of the society.