The International Women’s Day was celebrated a few days ago and in the backdrop of this occasion I was hunting for an inspirational story, something which was unprecedented and luckily I stumbled upon one of India’s earliest educators and social reformists, Fatima Sheikh. Her work was out of the ordinary, so much so that Google honoured her with its customary Doodle in 2022 on her 191st birthday, the 9th of January.
Fatima Sheikh was a teacher and alongwith Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule laid foundation of the Indigenous Library in 1848 ( she was just 17 then ), which is widely regarded as India’s first school for girls. A resident of Poona ( now Pune ), Fatima Sheikh had opened the doors of her house to accommodate the Phules and the Indigenous Library was established in her house itself.
The Phules were facing severe heat socially at that time and it was Fatima Sheikh who supported them no end and welcomed them in her house. Fatima Sheikh ensured that people from all communities received education and alongwith the Phules her contribution has been vital. Her unflinching support for this benevolent cause acted as a major catalyst for social reforms and education for girls in India, in particular.
To bring about change, was extremely challenging but Fatima Sheikh stuck to her task and was ably supported by her brother Usman. There is no denying the fact that she was one of India’s pioneers in Education for girls. However, she has been relatively unknown and unfortunately her work and achievements have not been documented as compared to the others.
Fatima Sheikh was a silent worker and though her contribution has resulted in major gains in social reforms and education, she has virtually receded into oblivion and her presence has been limited to just a reference in Urdu Text Books. A bit more needs to be done
Fatima Sheikh was brave and tenacious in fighting a skewed social system and her life will always be an inspiration. I hope more and more people learn about her and that she gets her rightful place in History.
Fatima Sheikh.- Unknown…no more.
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The story of Fatima Sheikh penned down by Riz is so apt to be narrated on the occasion of international women’s day celebrated recently. Google felicitated her by making a doodle for her…Our city…state…country..and the world has so many more stories of women who have contributed greatly to our society and humanity.
So true. Really appreciate