Volume : 11, Issue : 4, APR 2025

EDUCATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF SAVITRIBAI PHULE AND ITS PRESENT RELEVANCE IN INDIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM

ASHIS DAS, PROF. (DR.) MITA BANERJEE

Abstract

This study examines the educational contributions of Savitribai Phule, a pioneering social reformer in 19th-century India, focusing on her advocacy for women's education, social justice, and the inclusion of marginalized communities. Phule’s establishment of the first girls' school in Pune in 1848 and her efforts to challenge caste-based and gender-based discrimination laid the foundation for India’s modern educational reforms. Her pedagogical principles, emphasizing gender equality, social justice, and community involvement, continue to shape contemporary educational policies, particularly those targeting marginalized groups and promoting inclusivity. This research evaluates the ongoing relevance of Phule’s contributions in addressing present-day challenges in the Indian education system, such as gender inequality, caste-based discrimination, and the accessibility of education for differently-abled students. By analyzing her legacy, this study highlights the importance of her educational philosophy in guiding current and future educational reforms that aim to ensure equity, inclusivity, and empowerment for all.

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