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Savitribai Phule was born in Naigaon, Maharashtra. Coming from a marginalized community, she overcame social barriers to become India's first female teacher and a leading social reformer.
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Her husband, Jyotirao Phule, educated her at home, defying social norms. She later trained formally to become a teacher, setting the foundation for her future revolutionary work.
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Along with Jyotirao, she opened the first school for girls in Pune, focusing on educating lower-caste and marginalized children, despite facing severe opposition from society.
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She played a key role in opening multiple schools across Maharashtra, emphasizing the right to education for all, especially Dalit and backward-class children.
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Recognizing the struggles of widows and unwed mothers, she set up a home to protect them, providing shelter and opportunities for a dignified life.
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She officially became India’s first female teacher, marking a historic milestone in women’s empowerment and education in the country.
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Savitribai and Jyotirao established the Infanticide Prevention Home, offering a safe space for widows and women abandoned by society.
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She actively participated in Satya Shodhak Samaj, a social reform movement founded by Jyotirao to fight against caste discrimination and promote equality.
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After the death of her husband, Savitribai took over his responsibilities and led his social reform movements, carrying forward his legacy of equality and justice.
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During the plague outbreak in Pune, she personally helped infected patients. While serving the people, she contracted the disease and passed away on March 10, 1897, leaving behind an inspiring legacy.