Pune: The historic site of India’s first girls’ school, established by Mahatma Jotiba Phule and Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule at Bhidewada, is set to become a national memorial dedicated to Savitribai Phule. The project is advancing swiftly, with the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for July. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced that the detailed plans for the memorial are ready. While the site will not house an actual school, it will offer various educational courses for girls.
In a meeting presided over by Pawar and attended by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, along with other key officials, directives were issued to expedite the tender process for the memorial. The meeting was held at the Vidhan Bhavan and included Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Pune Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhonsle, District Collector Dr. Suhas Divse, City Engineer Prashant Waghmare, and Chief Construction Engineer Yuvraj Deshmukh.
The proposed memorial will consist of a ground floor and three additional floors. It will feature a statue of Savitribai Phule, murals depicting her life, and audio-visual presentations of significant events from her life.
Additionally, the upper floors will house a training institute focused on skill development for girls and women. Both the state government and the municipal corporation will fund the land acquisition required for the memorial.
The residence of Mahatma Phule and Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule in Pune was declared a state-protected monument in 1992. The Public Works Department has undertaken necessary renovation and preservation work. Deputy Chief Minister Pawar emphasized the need for prompt approval and compensation for land acquisition to facilitate the expansion of this memorial.
Pawar also reviewed the progress of the Adya Krantiguru Lahuji Vastad Salve Memorial under construction in Sangamwadi. The foundation work is expected to be completed by early July. An amount of ₹85 crores has been allocated for the project, though there are ongoing claims regarding the land. The state government will handle valuation and legal issues related to the land, while the municipality will oversee construction.
