Savitribai Phule’s legacy celebrated: A pioneer of education and equality

Vijayawada – Andhra Pradesh: Savitribai Phule, India’s first woman teacher and a pioneer in women’s education and social reform, was honored on her birth anniversary in Vijayawada. The event called for renewed efforts to uphold her ideals of equality, justice, and universal education amid growing challenges.

Tributes to the mother of social revolution

Under the auspices of the Anti-Caste Discrimination Struggle Association (KVPS) in Phule Ambedkar Bhavan, the celebration witnessed heartfelt tributes led by V Srinivasa Rao, National Leader of Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch (DSMM). He described Savitribai as a beacon of resistance against caste discrimination and oppressive social norms.

“She endured immense hardships to establish education as a fundamental right for Shudras and untouchables, tying the oppressive Manuvadi theories to her feet,” he remarked.

Call for declaring ‘Girl Literacy Day’

V Srinivasa Rao emphasized the urgent need for governments to declare Savitribai’s birth anniversary as Girl Literacy Day. “Today, girls in our country face mounting threats, and governments have failed to curb rising drug abuse. Upholding her vision of education is the greatest tribute we can pay,” he asserted.

Savitribai’s struggles against caste and gender inequality

State General Secretary Andra Malyadri narrated Savitribai’s journey from being an illiterate child bride to becoming a revolutionary educator. Born in 1831 in a poor farmer’s family, her husband Jyotiba Phule became her first teacher. Together, they founded India’s first school for Shudra girls in 1847.

“Her life exemplified justice, democracy, and equality. She broke barriers in caste, patriarchal, and social movements, standing as a leader of the oppressed,” he said.

Criticism of current policies

Speakers voiced strong criticism of the privatization and commercialization of education under the BJP government. V Srinivasa Rao condemned policies such as the National Education Policy, alleging it undermines reservation policies and promotes unscientific ideologies.

“The systematic privatization of universities and the imposition of superstitions in the curriculum aim to exclude marginalized communities from higher education,” he warned.

Defending federalism and constitutional Ideals

Malyadri highlighted how contemporary policies like “One Nation, One Election” undermine federalism and constitutional principles. “Corporate subsidies and tax burdens on the poor contradict Ambedkar’s vision of education and healthcare as government responsibilities,” he said.

A call to action

Participants, including social activists and leaders, urged collective resistance against anti-people policies. “Inspired by Savitribai, we must sensitize society, thwart saffron conspiracies, and advance her vision of equality and justice,” said Rao.

The event concluded with a resolution to continue Savitribai’s mission through service programs and educational initiatives, reaffirming her relevance in modern India.