Savitribai Phule neglected by Indian society: Bhujbal

Nashik, July 2 (UNI) Notwithstanding her immense contribution to Indian society, social reformer Savitribai Phule has been largely neglected, Nashik district guardian Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said.

''Savitribai's conflict against outdated traditions, her mission for social change, her literary writings and the active role she played against orthodox people 150 year ago has no match. Inspite of this Indian society has neglected her'', Bhujbal lamented after inaugurating the 'Savitribhai Phule chair' on the occasion of the 18th foundation day of the Yeshwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open Univerity here today.

''Her contribution in bringing about social change, has been well documented in history. She was India's first teacher and headmistress and also the first to vociferously protest the barbaric practice of shaving the head of a woman following her husband's death. She was the first woman who performed the last rites of her husband. Though she was involved with such revolutionary things, she remained unnoticed, Bhujbal lamented.

He congratulated YCMOU for creating a chair in the name of Savitribai and termed it as a ''historic decision''.

YCMOU Vice-Chancellor Dr Rajan Velukar spoke about the concept of the Savitribai Phule chair. It includes spreading of Savitribai's literature and implementing social service projects by keeping tribal rural women as it's epicentre. It also includes setting up family counselling centres for catering to women's and their family's health.

He announced that a committee for the Savitribai Phule chair will be formed and 'Sakal' group's Uttamrao Kamble will be one of its members.

District collector S Chokkalingam, Zilla Parishad CEO Dnyaneshwar Rajurkar, Nashik Municipal corporation commissioner Vilas Thakur and other were present on the occasion.

UNI