Savitribai Phule, born on January 03, 1831, was a social reformer, educationist and writer who is often hailed as India’s first feminist for her pioneering contribution to the education of women and Dalits in India. In the companionship of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule educated herself after her marriage, took up the cause of educating girls from marginalised communities at Pune’s Maharwada, and went on to set up India’s first all-women school at Pune’s Bhide Wada in Budhwar Peth.

Braving atrocities, she educated a number of children from various castes, led the resistance to caste oppression and went on to establish 18 schools along with Jyotirao Phule and other revolutionaries. In addition to a social reformer, she was also a fiery writer, whose writings significantly contribute to the anti-caste and feminist literature in India.