Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed Savitribai Phule as a pioneering social reformer who devoted her life to the transformation of society through service and education.
"On the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, we remember a pioneer whose life was devoted to the transformation of society through service and education," the prime minister wrote in a post on X while also saying that Savitribai Phule was committed to the principles of equality, justice, and compassion.
Phule firmly believed that education was the most powerful instrument of social change and dedicated her life to transforming lives through knowledge and learning, and her work in caring for the vulnerable and marginalised remains an inspiring example of service and humanity, the prime minister said.
Phule's vision continues to guide the nation's efforts in building an inclusive and empowered society, he added.
Married to Jyotiba Phule, a revered social reformer himself, Savitribai Phule was born in 1831 in Maharashtra and considered by many as India’s first woman teacher due to her pioneering work for educating women — especially from deprived groups — when it was considered a taboo.