Shinde orders probe after protests over ‘derogatory’ articles on savitribai phule

Shinde orders probe after protests over ‘derogatory’ articles on savitribai phule

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday directed the Chief Secretary to initiate a probe into a website that allegedly posted derogatory content against pioneering 19th century educationist Savitribai Phule. The move came after NCP leaders protested against attempts to malign the reformer.

“The website ‘Indic Tales’ has written several objectionable things about Savitribai Phule. Many political organisations and social organisations have raised objections. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the contents of this website be thoroughly scrutinised and stern action be taken if the allegations are true,” the CM’s Office said in a statement.

NCP leaders led by Maharashtra Leader of the Opposition Ajit Pawar, former Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and party State president Jayant Patil had staged a protest outside the Mumbai Police Commissioner’s office against the alleged ‘derogatory’ content posted on two websites: Indic Tales and Hindu Post.

The leaders submitted a letter to the Mumbai police chief demanding action for publishing content allegedly with the intent to incite people. “Insulting Savitribai Phule is a cheap act and we strongly protest against it,” the letter said.

‘Trend of defamation’

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Pawar said: “Of late, there has been a trend of defaming great personages, which we condemn.”

The article published on Indic Tales website titled ‘Why Hindu Female Teachers before Savitribai Phule are not Recognized’ allegedly says Phule’s school was sponsored by British missionaries and questions the British motives for supporting her project.

Facts questioned

The article in Hindu Post (dated January 5, 2022) titled ‘Was Savitribai Phule really the ‘first female teacher’ in Bharat?’ allegedly questions whether Phule was indeed the first female teacher in India, while attributing that distinction to Hotee Vidyalankar, a Bengali Hindu widow, who, as per the article, was a scholar of Sanskrit poetry, law, mathematics and ayurveda.