– Ronita Torcato

Maharashtra governor and Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) chancellor Jishnu Dev Verma has appealed to the university and its affiliated colleges to “adopt villages and connect with the local community through literacy, digital education, health, environment, skill development and social innovation.”

He was speaking at the varsity’s 127th convocation ceremony in Pune. More than seven and a half lakh students are studying in 859 colleges and institutes affiliated to SPPU.

In his address, governor Verma appealed to students to promote Savitribai Phule’s worldview that “education is not just a means of employment but an effective medium for equality, empowerment and social transformation.”

Savitribai Phule and her husband Jyotirao were pioneers of women’s education in India and worked for women’s rights, caste equality and universal education in the 19th century—an era when conservative groups strongly opposed the education of girls. Savitribai was reportedly subjected to abuse, including stones, mud and dung being thrown at her as she walked to work, forcing her to carry a spare sari to change into before class.

The couple belonged to the Mali community, which was classified as Shudra. Jyotirao faced caste-based discrimination firsthand, which influenced his lifelong activism against the caste system. B.R. Ambedkar acknowledged Phule as one of his three gurus or masters.

The governor also highlighted SPPU’s internationalisation efforts. The university operates an offshore campus in Qatar offering courses such as Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Management and Bachelor of Science (Physics).

Building on its presence in Qatar, SPPU has established academic partnerships in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan to extend the university’s global reach.

Taking note of these developments, the governor said that internationalisation should include student exchanges, joint research, international faculty and global partnerships.

He also said, “Every university should also prepare an annual sports calendar and encourage every student to participate in at least one sport or physical activity.”

SPPU vice chancellor Prof. Suresh Gosavi reviewed the academic and research performance of the university.

Savitribai was nine and unschooled when she was married to Jyotirao, who was 13. Educated at the Scottish Mission High School, Jyotirao taught his wife to read and write. She went on to become a teacher and headmistress and played a pioneering role in promoting girls’ education.

The couple campaigned against child marriage and the tonsuring of widows’ heads and supported interfaith and widow remarriage. In due course, the Phules opened 18 schools for girls.

Savitribai continued her social work during the bubonic plague that struck Bombay in 1896. She became infected while helping those affected by the disease and died of the plague in 1897.

She continues to inspire generations through her contribution to women’s education, equality and social reform.

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