Savitribai Phule, born on January 3, 1831, in Naigaon village, Satara District, Maharashtra, played a significant role as a social reformer, educator, and poet. Teaming up with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she campaigned against gender and caste-based discrimination. Their unwavering dedication to social justice led them to establish one of India’s earliest modern girls’ schools in Pune. Emphasising the transformative potential of education in enabling individuals to discern between right and wrong, truth and untruth, the couple left an enduring impact on the educational landscape.
Below, two poems reflect her arduous commitment and knowledge towards the upliftment of the marginalised. Her works includes:
1. “Kavyaphule” – A compilation of poems dating back to 1854.
2. “Jotirao’s Speeches” – Edited by Savitribai Phule, published on 25 December 1856.
3. “Savitribai’s Letters to Jotirao” – Letters exchanged between Savitribai and Jotirao.
4. “Speeches of Matoshree Savitribai” – Published in 1892, featuring speeches delivered by Savitribai.
5. “Bavankashi Subodh Ratnakar” – Published in 1892
In the poem “Mother English,” Savitribai Phule vividly portrays the shift from Peshwa rule to the advent of the British, highlighting the transformative impact of the English language and culture. The poem suggests that Mother English symbolizes empowerment for women and those belonging to lower castes. It underscores the notion that the English language brings about a positive change, offering newfound opportunities and agency, especially for marginalized groups.
Mother English
Rule of Peshwa is gone
Mother English has come.
Forlorn and dark our hopelessness
Ominous fears of heaven and abyss.
In such a dismal time of ours
Come Mother English, this is your hour
Throw off the yoke of redundant belief
Break open the door, walk out in relief.
Learn to read and write, O my dear one
Opportune times! Mother English has come.
Manu’s ways are evil and mean
Poor and depressed we have all been.
They’ve cheated, befooled, looted us all
They’ve gone with English Mother’s footfall.
Brahman’s rule is now in ashes
Under the English whips and lashes.
It is all for the good of the poor
Manu’s dead at English Mother’s door.
Knowledge is poor man’s refuge and shade
It’s akin to comfort mother-made.
In English rule we’ve found our joy
Bad days gone, Mother English ahoy!
English is the inheritance of none
Persian, Brahman, Yemeni or Hun.
We have true Indian blood in our veins
Cry out aloud! And shout!
Mother English is OUT!
The poem titled “Go, Get Education” by Savitribai Phule passionately advocates for self-reliance, industriousness, and the acquisition of knowledge. Stressing the importance of wisdom and education, the poem emphasizes that without knowledge, humanity regresses to an animal-like state. Savitribai urges individuals to cease idleness, pursue education, and thereby alleviate the suffering of the oppressed. The poem underscores the golden opportunity to break free from the chains of caste, encouraging a rejection of traditional scriptures that perpetuate social hierarchies.
Go, Get Education
Be self-reliant, be industrious
Work—gather wisdom and riches.
All gets lost without knowledge
We become animals without wisdom.
Sit idle no more, go, get education
End misery of the oppressed and forsaken.
You’ve got a golden chance to learn
So learn and break the chains of caste.
Throw away the brahman’s scriptures fast.
