Every year, Savitribai Phule Jayanti is observed with deep respect and gratitude to remember one of India’s greatest social reformers and the first woman teacher of modern India. Born on 3rd January 1831, Savitribai Phule dedicated her entire life to education, women’s empowerment, and social equality at a time when society was deeply rooted in discrimination, superstition, and injustice. Her life stands as a powerful reminder that education is the strongest weapon to fight ignorance and inequality.
Savitribai Phule was not only an educator but also a fearless reformer who challenged the rigid social norms of the 19th century. At a time when educating girls was considered a sin and women were confined within household boundaries, she stepped out with courage, holding books in her hands and dreams in her heart. Along with her husband, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, she established the first school for girls in Pune in 1848, opening the doors of education to those who were denied it for centuries.
Her journey was full of struggles. While going to school to teach, Savitribai Phule was often abused, insulted, and attacked with stones, mud, and cow dung. Yet, she never turned back. Instead, she carried an extra sari with her, changed her clothes, and continued teaching with determination. This unwavering courage reflects her strong belief that knowledge has the power to transform society.
Savitribai Phule worked tirelessly for the upliftment of women, Dalits, and the oppressed sections of society. She strongly opposed child marriage, caste discrimination, and the ill-treatment of widows. She started homes for widows and orphaned children and supported widow remarriage when society considered it unacceptable. Through her actions, she proved that true reform begins with compassion and courage.
Apart from being an educator, Savitribai Phule was also a poet and thinker. Her poems spread messages of self-respect, education, and social awareness. She believed that ignorance was the root cause of social evils and that education could bring dignity, freedom, and equality to every human being. Her thoughts were far ahead of her time and continue to inspire modern India.
Savitribai Phule’s contribution becomes even more meaningful when we look at the progress of women’s education today. The presence of girls in schools, colleges, universities, and professional fields is a reflection of the seeds sown by pioneers like her. However, her life also reminds us that the fight for equality and justice is not over. True respect to Savitribai Phule lies not only in celebrating her Jayanti but in following her ideals in our daily lives.
On Savitribai Phule Jayanti, students, teachers, and citizens are encouraged to reflect on her values—humanity, equality, social justice, and moral courage. Libraries, educational institutions, and learning spaces play a vital role in carrying forward her mission by promoting inclusive education, critical thinking, and respect for all.
In conclusion, Savitribai Phule was not just a historical figure but a revolutionary light of knowledge who transformed Indian society with education and empathy. Her life teaches us that real change begins when we dare to stand against injustice and work selflessly for the betterment of humanity. As we remember her on this auspicious day, let us pledge to spread education, uphold human values, and contribute to building a society based on equality, dignity, and wisdom.
On the joyful occasion of the New Year, I convey my heartfelt wishes to all students. May the year ahead encourage you to seek knowledge with curiosity, practice humanity with sincerity, and uphold moral values in every aspect of life. Let your academic journey be guided by honesty, dedication, and compassion. May the library continue to be a space that nurtures learning, wisdom, and responsible citizenship.
Best wishes for a meaningful and successful New Year.
— Librarian
When
India achieved independence in 1947, the joy of freedom was shadowed by the
daunting challenge of building a nation out of hundreds of fragmented princely
states, provinces, and communities. In this turbulent time, one man’s vision,
determination, and steadfast leadership transformed chaos into unity — that man
was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,
fondly remembered as the Iron Man of India.
Early
Life: The Making of a Leader
Born
on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, a small village in Gujarat,
Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel came from a humble peasant background. His father,
Jhaverbhai Patel, served in the army of the legendary queen Rani Lakshmibai,
and his mother, Ladbai, was known for her spiritual strength and resilience.
These traits — courage and moral conviction — would later define Patel’s
character.
As a
young man, Vallabhbhai was determined and self-reliant. He completed his
education through sheer perseverance, studying law in London at the age of 36 —
a remarkable achievement for someone from a modest background. On returning to
India, he built a successful legal career in Ahmedabad, known for his integrity
and sharp intellect. Yet, his destiny lay not in the courtroom, but in the
service of the nation.
Patel
and the Freedom Struggle
The
turning point in Patel’s life came when he met Mahatma Gandhi in 1917. Deeply inspired by Gandhi’s philosophy of
non-violence and self-reliance, Patel
joined
the Indian National Congress and
plunged into the freedom struggle. His organizational skills and fearless leadership
quickly made him one of Gandhi’s most trusted lieutenants.
Patel’s
first major achievement came during the Kheda
Satyagraha (1918) and later the Bardoli
Satyagraha (1928). When the British government imposed unfair taxes on
farmers despite poor harvests, Patel organized the peasants and led a
disciplined, non-violent protest. His firm yet tactful negotiation forced the
authorities to withdraw the taxes. The people of Bardoli affectionately gave
him the title “Sardar”, meaning
“leader.” This marked his rise as a national figure — a man of both compassion
and iron will.
Throughout
the Non-Cooperation Movement and
Civil Disobedience Movement,
Sardar Patel stood shoulder to shoulder with Gandhi, mobilizing masses across
India. He spent several years in British prisons but never wavered in his
commitment to the cause of independence.
The
Challenge of Uniting India
When
India finally gained independence on August
15, 1947, the euphoria was mixed with uncertainty. The country was
partitioned into India and Pakistan, and the British left behind more than 560 princely states, each with the
option to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent. The future of the Indian
subcontinent hung in the balance.
It
was Sardar Patel, as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister,
who undertook the monumental task of integrating these princely states into a
single, united India. With his trusted secretary V.P. Menon, Patel employed a masterful combination of diplomacy,
persuasion, and, when necessary, firmness.
His
strategy was simple but brilliant — he appealed to the patriotism and practical
interests of the princes, assuring them fair treatment and protection of their
privileges, while making it clear that independence outside India was
unrealistic. Through this approach, he peacefully integrated the majority of
the states, including large ones like Mysore,
Bikaner, and Baroda.
However,
some states — notably Hyderabad,
Junagadh, and Kashmir — resisted accession. Patel
handled these with decisive action. In Hyderabad, when negotiations failed, he
ordered Operation Polo, a swift
military campaign that brought the state into the Indian Union without
large-scale conflict. His firmness
prevented
potential civil wars and laid the foundation for the political unity of modern
India.
The
Iron Man’s Vision
Sardar
Patel was not just a unifier but also a visionary administrator. He played a
key role in setting up India’s civil services, believing that a strong
administrative framework was essential for a stable democracy. His famous words
still resonate:
“You
will not have a united India if you do not have a good all-India service which
has the independence to speak out its mind.”
His
pragmatic and no-nonsense approach earned him immense respect across party
lines. While Gandhi was seen as the soul of India’s freedom struggle,
Patel was its backbone. Together, they balanced idealism with realism —
a combination that gave strength to the independence movement.
Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel passed away on December
15, 1950, leaving behind a nation solidly united but still mourning his
loss. Yet, his legacy continues to guide India’s political and administrative
philosophy.
In
recognition of his immense contribution, the Government of India declared October 31 — his birth anniversary —
as National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta
Diwas). In 2018, the Statue of
Unity, the world’s tallest statue at 182 meters, was unveiled in
Gujarat. It stands as a grand symbol of his strength, integrity, and unwavering
patriotism.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was more than just a political leader — he was
a nation-builder, a man of vision and courage who turned the dream of a united
India into reality. His life exemplified discipline, determination, and deep
love for his country. At a time when India faced fragmentation and uncertainty,
Patel’s leadership brought stability and unity.
Today,
as India continues to grow on the global stage, Sardar Patel’s legacy His story
is not merely a chapter in history — it is the very foundation upon which
modern India stands.
The DTSS College of Commerce Library observed 'Vachan Prerana Din' (Reading Inspiration Day) on October 15, 2025, to commemorate the 94th birth anniversary of the visionary scientist and former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
The central attraction of the event was a carefully curated Book Display dedicated to Dr. Kalam's life, philosophy, and contributions. The display featured his landmark works, including his autobiography Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds, and various other titles detailing his vision for India 2020 and his motivational speeches.
The program also featured a student representative, Mr. Gaurav Tripathi, who delivered a brief historical overview of Dr. Kalam's remarkable journey.
The
celebration successfully reinforced the importance of reading and intellectual
curiosity among the college community, upholding the spirit of 'Vachan Prerana
Din' as a day dedicated to lifelong learning in honor of one of India's
greatest educators.
