Savitribai Phule's 194th Birth Anniversary: Quotes By The Pioneering Female Educator

Savitribai Phule, a pioneering female educator, is revered as the mother of Indian feminism. Born on January 3, 1831, she was a visionary reformer who fought tirelessly for women's rights, education, and social equality. Phule demanded a place where all women might congregate free from caste and gender-based prejudice. She also established a refuge specifically for women, dubbed ‘Home for the prevention of Infanticide.' She founded the Mahila Seva Mandal community to promote awareness of women's rights.

In 1848, Savitribai Phule opened a school for girls which was initially met with hostility. However, this did not dampen her resolve. By 1851, she and her husband Jyotirao Phule ran three schools where approximately 150 girls gained education. They also opened schools for children from different castes, challenging social hierarchy and shattering prejudice.

On Savitribai Phule's 194th birth anniversary, let's remember 12 quotes that reflect her visionary ideas and unwavering dedication to equality. 

Savitribai Phule Quotes

• "A woman without education is like a banyan tree without roots or leaves; she cannot provide for her children and stay alive herself."
• "You have started the benevolent and welfare work for the poor and the needy. I also want to carry my share of the responsibility. I assure you I will always help you. I wish the godly work will be helped by more people."
• "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.

• "No matter what you do, you will be called a feminist. It’s just a way of life."
• "Women are not born to be conquered they are born to be respected."
• "Women are not only forced to work at home and on the farm, they can do a better job than men."
• "If you want to make a woman happy, give her freedom and education."
• "We shall overcome and success will be ours in the future. The future belongs to us."
• "A strong, educated woman can build a civilized society, so she should also have the right to education."
• "Raising a daughter before marriage so that she can easily differentiate between good and evil."
• "There is a serious lack of female literacy in the country because the women here have never been allowed to be freed from slavery."
• "Catch ignorance, hold it, hold it tight, strike it, and take it out of your life."