Modi, others tweet rich tributes to Savitribai Phule

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took to Twitter to pay rich tributes to 19th century social reformer Savitribai Phule on her birth anniversary.

Other Twitterati too hailed her for fighting against caste and gender discrimination in the Indian society. #SavitribaiPhule trended with 25K tweets as Twitterati posted pictures of the social reformer and quoted her to recall her contributions to the society.

"I salute Savitribai Phule on her birth anniversary. She dedicated her life to social unity, education and empowerment of women. Her struggle for social consciousness will always inspire the countrymen," Modi tweeted.

One user wrote: "Tributes to the first lady teacher who paved the way for women education, faced a lot of humiliation and discrimination for all of us; the things which we take as a given were nothing short of a revolution when she did them. It's important to teach about her. #SavitribaiPhule."

Another tweeted: "Let's remember the fight of Savitribai Phule against brahminical patriarchy to provide education to girls against Hindu religious belief. Today is truly the 'Teacher's Day'."

One use quoted her: "'Awake, Arise and Educate, Smash Traditions Liberate!' #SavitribaiPhule The First Female Liberator of India (Jan 3, 1831 March 10, 1897). Salute to the mother of feminism of entire South Asia. Long live her legacy."

One post read: "Birthday wishes to revolutionary icon Savitribai Phule who crusaded against caste & gender discrimination. You inspire us to continue our non-violent struggle against inequity & prejudice."

"#SavitribaiPhule always carried two sarees with her to school because Brahmins of Pune threw mud on her for 'polluting' their religion by teaching girls... Indian women owe Savitribai a lot," wrote another user.

( With inputs from IANS )