A thread on Savitribai Phule, a pioneering icon of anti-caste feminism, education and liberation, to commemorate her birth on this day, in 1831. Follow this thread as we remember her contribution to our anti-caste feminist politics. Artwork by illustrator @siddheshgautam

Often regarded as the mother of Indian feminism, Savitribai was born on January 3, 1831, at Naigaon, Maharashtra. She was married to her husband, Jyotiba Phule, at the age of 9. The couple together went on to transform the society by being the beacon of education and reform.

Illiterate at the time of her wedding, Savitribai received her primary education from Jyotirao. In 1848, the couple opened the first school for girls in Bhide wada, Maharashtra. They then went on to open many more schools.

Of course, they faced vehement opposition from the predominantly brahmin society around them. By 1851, Savitribai and Jyotirao were running 3 different schools that were better than the government schools of that time with respect to both curriculum and pedagogy.

In fact, as word spread, the combined strength of girls studying in the couple's schools surpassed the number of boys studying in government schools. In the meanwhile, Savitribai had completed her teacher training programs and was probably the first headmistress of the country.

It has been noted that Savitribai used to often carry an extra sari to her school, since people would hurl dirt, dung and verbal abuses at her as she walked to the schools. As the opposition against them strengthened, the couple moved out of Jyotirao's father's home.

At their new place of residence, Savitribai met Fatima Sheikh, who would be the first muslim teacher in India and a life-long companion of Savitribai.

Together, Savitribai and Fatima worked tirelessly to educate and uplift women and people from marginalized castes. They became and remain a beacon of hope and motivation for all of us who fight for more inclusivity, fair representation and equality.

Savitribai died in 1897 of the bubonic plague, probably contracted from a child who she carried on her back to the hospital in an act of selfless bravery.

As we close this thread, let us remember that Savitribai not only educated many people from marginalized castes and genders, but also worked towards constant emancipation of widowed women, rape victims, victims of the plague, and much more.

To know more about Savitribai's life and work, check out this profile of her by @Iivemint: https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/DmR1fQSnVD62p4D3eyq9mO/The-life-and-times-of-Savitribai-Phule.html

Let Savitribai Phule's life, resilience and determination guide us all in our journeys towards a more equal and just world. Jai Savitri!