Bari Brahmana, Jan 6: The Annual Day of Savitribai Phule Modern School, Dolian, was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the school परिसर in Bari Brahmana, district Samba, along with the observance of the birth anniversary of Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule.
The programme was organised under the chairmanship of Sunita Bangotra, Principal, and Rattan Lal Bangotra, Managing Director of the school. Rasheed Alam (ZEPO–Retd.), Department of Education, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, he appreciated the sincere efforts of the school management for providing quality education, especially to students from economically weaker sections, and described Principal Sunita Bangotra as a dedicated educationist with long-standing experience in the field.
Speaking on the life and legacy of Savitribai Phule, the Chief Guest highlighted her pioneering role in women’s education and her relentless struggle against caste and gender discrimination. He termed her the first female teacher of modern India and an icon of social reform. Rasheed Alam was also honoured on the occasion for his valuable services to the education sector.
Addressing the gathering, Sunita Bangotra lauded the commitment of the teaching staff and thanked the management committee for its constant support. She recalled the guidance of her former teacher Surender Singh, who was felicitated with the Best Teacher Award. She also informed that a competitive examination on the life and mission of the Phule couple was conducted, and students securing top positions were honoured.
The programme began with Buddh Vandana by students, followed by colourful cultural presentations including folk dances and Gidda. Prizes were distributed among meritorious students and well-performing staff members.
Several eminent educationists were honoured with the Savitribai Phule Award for their contribution to education, including Renu Anthony, Pushpa Kundal, Minakshi Hans, Sunshine Bala, Neelu Sikh, Sunita Kumari, Kamini Angral and Sham Bala.
Chairperson of Savitribai Phule Educational Trust, Sunita Bangotra, highlighted that Savitribai Phule is widely recognised as the Mother of Modern Education in India, and her birthday is celebrated as Balika Din (Girl Child Day).
M. R. Bangotra, Retd Chief Education Officer, was honoured on completing the silver jubilee of his retirement and spoke on the inspiring life of the Phule couple. Prof. Kali Dass and Sham Lal Basson, Ex-Corporator and President of All J&K Dalit Chetna Manch, also addressed the gathering and praised the organisers. Sham Lal Basson underlined that Savitribai Phule was the first trained female teacher, having received professional training from institutions in Pune and Ahmednagar.
The speakers recalled that Savitribai Phule, along with Jyotiba Phule, established several schools for girls and marginalised communities between 1848 and 1852, founded Mahila Sewa Mandal in 1851, set up Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha, and established the Satya Shodhak Samaj, leaving an indelible mark on India’s social reform movement.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by R. L. Bangotra, who expressed gratitude to all guests, dignitaries and contributors for making the function a grand success. Many social activists and community members paid floral tributes to Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule on the occasion.
