Savitribai Phule & Jyotiba Phule.pptx: Contribution towards Indian Educational Reforms

Savitribai Phule was a pioneering educator and reformer who became the first female teacher in India, dedicating her life to empowering women and lower castes through education despite facing severe social barriers and discrimination. Alongside her husband, Jyotiba Phule, she founded India’s first school for girls in Pune in 1848 and expanded her pioneering work by opening several schools for marginalized groups, fighting for universal access to education, and supporting progressive social causes such as widow remarriage and inter-caste marriage. Her relentless efforts not only transformed women’s education but also helped dismantle caste-based exclusion and inspired future generations to pursue equality and social justice.​

Jyotiba Phule, a visionary social reformer and educationist, focused on uplifting Dalits and oppressed communities through mass education and radical social change. He co-founded schools for girls and marginalized groups, argued for free and compulsory education, and criticized the colonial system for neglecting the needs of rural and disadvantaged learners. Jyotiba’s practical view of education sought to eradicate social evils, and his educational philosophy influenced leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. His advocacy laid the foundation for inclusive education, and his recommendations to important commissions furthered equality and the rights of primary school teachers.​

1. Savitribai Phule & Jyotiba Phule : Contribution towards Educational Reforms Dr . Shrutidhara Mahanta Department of Education Centre for Distance and Online Education Dibrugarh University

2. Savitribai Phule : Life and Contributions Early Life : Savitribai Phule was born on 3 January 1831 in the Mali community. She was married at a young age to Jyotirao Phule and was initially illiterate. Encouraged by her husband, she began her education at home and later received formal teacher training in Pune and Ahmednagar . Savitribai became India's first professionally trained female headmistress and teacher. Educational Pioneer : In 1848, along with her husband Jyotirao Phule and Sagunabai Kshirsagar , she opened the first school for girls in India at Bhide Wada, Pune. This school followed a progressive curriculum that included mathematics, science, and social studies . Despite facing strong social opposition, Savitribai and Jyotirao expanded to run several schools for girls and marginalized communities by 1851.

3. Savitribai Phule : Life and Contributions Social Reformer: Savitribai worked relentlessly to advance education for girls and oppressed communities. She co-founded the " Mahila Seva Mandal " in 1851 to promote women's rights and established the " Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha " in 1853, a home aimed at preventing infanticide among widows. She also supported widow remarriage, challenged caste and gender discrimination, and provided education as a means of social empowerment. She is also considered a pioneer of India's feminist movement. Literary Contributions: Savitribai was also a poet and author, writing works such as  Kavya Phule  (1854) and  Bavan Kashi Subhodh Ratnakar  (1892), reflecting her thoughts on social justice, women's empowerment, and the need to dismantle caste oppression .

4. Jyotiba Phule : Life and Contributions Early Life : Jyotiba Govindrao Phule was born on 11 April 1827 in Pune, Maharashtra, into the Mali caste, a community considered lower in the social hierarchy. His father was a vegetable vendor, and Jyotiba faced caste-based discrimination from an early age. Despite social barriers, he pursued education, including studies at the Scottish Mission High School in Pune . Social Awakening : An incident at a friend's wedding in 1848, where caste-based discrimination was evident, deeply influenced Jyotiba and motivated him to challenge the caste system and social oppression . He openly criticized the dominance of Brahmanical orthodoxy that perpetuated inequality.

5. Jyotiba Phule : Life and Contributions Social Reform Activities: In 1873, he founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers) to fight caste discrimination, promote social equality, and advance women’s rights. Advocated for widow remarriage, education for girls, Sudras and Dalits , and the prevention of female infanticide. Criticized Brahmanical culture for propagating inequality and supported the oppressed groups by using symbols that gave them strength . Petitioned for political representation of marginalized communities and promoted economic self-reliance through agriculture and crafts.

6. Savitribai & Jyotiba Phule --Educational Reforms : Believing education was key to social empowerment, they founded the first school for girls in Pune in 1848, pioneering women’s education in India. They established schools for marginalized communities, including Dalits , Sudra’s etc. lower castes who were traditionally excluded from education. They started night schools for working-class individuals, allowing them to study alongside their jobs. They promoted a practical and inclusive curriculum aimed at empowering the oppressed . Their work went beyond schooling; they set up shelters for widows and children, provided financial support for students, and encouraged critical thinking through education .

7. Key Takeaways Aspect Savitribai Phule Jyotiba Phule Focus Women’s education and empowerment Mass education and social reforms for oppressed communities Key Contribution Founded first girls’ school, championed social reforms Advocated universal primary education, practical curriculum Social Impact Challenged caste and gender barriers Paved way for Dalit education and social equality Legacy Role model for women’s education and rights Pioneer of revolutionary social education

8. Legacy : Known as the "Mother of Modern Education in India," Savitribai Phule's pioneering efforts laid the foundation for women’s and marginalized communities' education. Today , her legacy lives on through memorials, institutions named after her, and continued inspiration for social reform movements across India. Legacy : Known as "Mahatma," Jyotiba Phule left an enduring legacy as a pioneer of social justice, education for the marginalized, and a vocal critic of caste oppression. His efforts laid the groundwork for future social reformers and the struggle for equality in India.