On February 13 every year, India commemorates the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, a lady whose voice was the voice of freedom and whose leadership ushered in the gates of politics for women. The "Nightingale of India", as she came to be known, was a poet, freedom fighter, and one of the first women to be a well-known political personality in free India. Her literary work, activism, and work in governance are still inspiring generations.
On her birth anniversary, let us try to get closer to her life, achievements, and lasting legacy.
Sarojini Naidu was born in Hyderabad on February 13, 1879, to an intellectual Bengali family. Her father, Aghorenath Chattopadhyay, was a philosopher and scientist, and her mother, Barada Sundari Devi, was a poetess. Under the influence of her parents, Sarojini demonstrated exceptional talent from a very young age.
At the tender age of 12, she wrote a play named Maher Muneer, which even impressed the Nizam of Hyderabad. Recognising her exceptional talent, she was sent to King's College in London and later to Girton College, Cambridge, to complete her studies. In England, she was introduced to the voice of freedom, nationalism, and literature, which shaped her life in the years to come.
Sarojini Naidu's literary skills earned her the sobriquet of "Nightingale of India", given to her by Mahatma Gandhi. She was deeply influenced by Indian culture, nature, and the beauty of everyday life. Her poetry was marked by lyricism, rich imagery, and patriotic themes.
Her most popular poetry books are:
- The Golden Threshold (1905)
- The Bird of Time (1912)
- The Broken Wing (1917)
Her poems blended Indian traditions with English romanticism, representing her love for the nation and its rich heritage. One of her most famous poems, Palanquin Bearers, describes beautifully the tradition of taking a bride in a palanquin, full of music and tenderness:
"Lightly, O lightly, we bear her along,
She sways like a flower in the wind of our song."
Her poems were literary treasures and strong statements of India's cultural identity and spirit.
Though poetry was her first love, India's freedom struggle became her life's mission. Inspired by leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Mahatma Gandhi, she dedicated herself to the freedom movement.
She joined the Indian National Movement in 1905, actively participating in demonstrations against the British. She travelled the length and breadth of India, delivering fiery speeches that awakened nationalist sentiments among people.
1. Role in the Civil Disobedience Movement:
- Sarojini Naidu played an important role in Gandhi's Salt Satyagraha in 1930.
- She led the protest at the Dharasana Salt Works, where she and her fellow protestors were brutally suppressed by the British but refused to be violent.
2. First Woman President of INC (1925):
- She became the first Indian woman to preside over the Indian National Congress, a landmark moment for women's empowerment.
3. Participation in Round Table Conferences:
- She was one of the key representatives at the Second Round Table Conference in London (1931), presenting India's self-rule case.
4. First Woman Governor of Independent India:
- After independence, she became the first woman Governor of Uttar Pradesh, paving the way for women in politics.
Her ability to combine art and activism made her a unique force in the Indian freedom struggle.
Sarojini Naidu was a political leader and firmly believed in women's rights. She encouraged Indian women to leave their conventional roles and actively participate in politics and society.
In 1917, she co-founded the Women's Indian Association with Annie Besant and worked tirelessly for women's education, suffrage, and empowerment. She also campaigned for reforms that gave women greater rights in social and political spheres.
Her legacy as a pioneer for women's leadership continues to inspire generations of women leaders in India.
Sarojini Naidu's life is a story of poetry, patriotism, and perseverance. She passed away on March 2, 1949, but her legacy shaped India's political, cultural, and literary landscape. Her birth anniversary is celebrated annually in India, and she is remembered for serving the nation.
Sarojini Naidu's life and work are timeless. She was a woman out of time – a poet who spoke India's heart, a leader who broke barriers, and a patriot who lived and breathed for the nation.
Let us remember her passion, courage, and dedication on her birth anniversary. Let us celebrate her legacy by striving for a world where art, freedom, and equality reign in harmony—just as she imagined.
JAIN PU College, a part of the renowned JGI Group, is committed to empowering students with quality education.
Beyond academics, the college ensures its online content reflects the same standard of excellence. Every blog and article is meticulously vetted and proofread by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy, relevance, and clarity. From insightful educational topics to engaging discussions, JAIN PU College's content is crafted to inform, inspire, and add value to its readers, reflecting the institution's commitment to intellectual growth and innovation.
View all Blogs
