World Teachers' Day: Igniting the Flame of Education in India

Cards and letters took over last October 5 as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) formally recognized this as World Teachers’ Day. It is a moment to honor our dear teachers who have made a big impact in shaping generations. This includes even those who have come before us like Savitribai Phule. She was named the Mother of Indian Feminism, the light to the beginning of education and justness in one of the most populous countries, India.

On the 3rd of January, 1831, Savitribai Phule was born in the village of Naigon, Maharashtra. Growing up, Phule was eager to learn and dream. However, back then, patriarchy was prominent in India. She was a child bride to Jyotiba Phule, and in 1840, they transferred to Pune where her eagerness sparked even more. There, a Christian missionary gifted her a book that Phule valued. She was illiterate until her 13-year-old husband, whom she married at the age of 9, taught her. After completing her course, Phule’s desire brought her to be a qualified teacher in 1847. She became the first female teacher in India and with the couple’s determination, they started teaching girls who were deprived of studying at government schools. There were one hundred fifty students in three of their schools by the end of 1851.

Its success also came with several challenges, especially from patriarchal norms. On her journey to school, Savitribai Phule experienced abuse not only verbally but also physically through stones and dung thrown at her. Because of this, she changes daily by bringing an extra sari, a garment usually worn by women in India. They also needed to relocate as Jyotiba Phule’s father viewed their movement as something against Brahmanical texts. Despite this, their perseverance and resilience prevailed. In fact, the British government recognized them as the best teachers in the state. She was praised for her contributions and was able to build 18 schools in the end.

The life story of Savitribai Phule greatly captures her strong belief in the importance of education. Her compassion and dedication became a great example to the world and truly impacted today’s learning in India. Not only does it feature the essence of education but also a deeper meaning to women’s rights and equality.

Take it from Savitribai Phule’s words: “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?”

References: Google Arts & Culture, MINDIA, and Jagranjosh.com.