‘Awake, arise and educate, smash traditions – liberate’ – the war cry by Savitribai Phule that led to social reform
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century. Her opposition to Brahmanic patriarchy and caste enslavement, her resolve for social democracy, and her tireless fight to break the shackles of tradition made her a force to be reckoned with.
Savitribai Phule (1831-97) was modern India's first woman teacher, a radical exponent of mass and female education, a pioneer of engaged poetry, a courageous mass leader who took on the forces of caste and patriarchy. Her role in the anti-caste movement is unique, as she emerged as the only woman leader among all social movements in 19