Have you seen the famous Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple? Probably I am asking you the wrong question. There is seldom any person in Pune who has not visited this place at least once.
Have you noticed a place that is right opposite this beautiful and adorable temple? That place is in ruins, damaged to the very core, shattered into pieces, and it screams out loud and clear to project its importance.
This place should be declared as a National Monument, but what we see is, or I should say we do not see, is the place itself. We do not even notice that this place exists.
While praying to Lord Ganesha, were you aware that you are standing near India's 1st Girls School?
Girls in India are excelling in various fields with flying colors. They have taken over social media and shining like stars. Be it the Navy, Air Force, Police Force, Literature – just name it, and girls have done exceedingly well everywhere.
I know you are aware that the time before India gained Independence in 1947 was very tough and grueling for females. Household chores, marriage at a tender age, and lifelong suffering were an inevitable part of female life.
The women with a fire in their belly and a brave heart, to do something for girls, gave birth to India's first Girls School in Pune. The very respected Savitribai Phule along with Fatima Sheikh and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule established India's first Girls' School in Pune, Budhwar Peth. Tatyarao Bhide gave some rooms in his residence to run the school. It is called Bhide Wada.
Savitribai and Fatima Sheikh had to undergo a lot of suffering because of their bold step. Cow dung was thrown at them every day so that they would stop their work. But this did not deter their enthusiasm.
And now look at us. We are educated, we are supporting our family, we are taking care of our country, we are fighting for our nation. Shall we take a moment to bow before this place and remember their efforts?
When did we become so educated that we believed in God enwrapped with Gold but forgot to worship the God which was inside these human beings? Correct me if I am wrong, but human efforts should be appreciated, right?
Many of us would not like to believe that Pune is called "The Oxford of the East." Lacs of students are studying here, and the place which depicts girls' education origin is in a worn-out state.
There are ongoing court cases to declare this location as a historical site, and the movement like "Bhide Wada Bachav Mohim" triggered the case for some time, but the decisions are still pending.
So, the next time when you fold your hands for prayers to Lord Ganesha, take a 360-degree turn and thank Savitribai Phule, Fatima Sheikh, and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule for doing this commendable work.
Location: India's 1st Girls School: Bhide Wada: Pune
Started: 1st January 1848
All images taken from Google Search.
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