Aruna Sadik

19th-century Indian educator who pioneered women's education in rural areas

Aruna Sadik (1835–1902) revolutionized education in colonial India by establishing the first girls' schools in Andhra Pradesh. Defying societal norms, she developed a bilingual curriculum combining Sanskrit classics with modern sciences. Her unique teaching methods emphasized practical skills like weaving and arithmetic alongside literacy. Despite facing arson attacks from conservative groups, she expanded her network to 37 schools by 1890. Aruna's legacy influenced later reformers like Savitribai Phule, making her a critical but often overlooked figure in India's educational history.