Remembering Sarojini Naidu: Nightingale, poet, freedom fighter, champion of women's rights
Sarojini Naidu, known as The Nightingale of India, was a freedom fighter and poet who played a key role in India's independence and women's rights movements. Her birth anniversary celebrates her contributions to social reform and empowerment.
Today, February 13, 2025, marks the 146th birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, fondly known as the "Nightingale of India." Born in 1879 in Hyderabad, Naidu was a distinguished poet, freedom fighter, and a pioneering advocate for women's rights in India.
Early Life and Education
Sarojini Naidu was born into a Bengali Brahmin family; her father, Aghorenath Chattopadhyay, was a scientist and the founder of Nizam College, and her mother, Varada Sundari Devi, was a poetess. Displaying exceptional talent from a young age, Naidu wrote a 1,300-line poem titled "The Lady of the Lake" at just 12 years old. She pursued higher education in England, studying at King's College London and later at Girton College, Cambridge.
Literary contributions
Naidu's literary prowess earned her the moniker "Nightingale of India." Her poetry collections, such as "The Golden Threshold" (1905) and "The Bird of Time" (1912), are celebrated for their vivid imagery and lyrical quality. Her poem "In the Bazaars of Hyderabad" remains one of her most popular works, capturing the essence of Indian life and culture.
Role in the Independence movement
Deeply influenced by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Naidu became an active participant in India's struggle for independence. She was a key figure in the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement, enduring multiple imprisonments for her activism. In 1925, she made history as the first Indian woman to preside over the Indian National Congress.
Advocacy for women's rights
Beyond her political endeavors, Naidu was a staunch advocate for women's empowerment. She played a pivotal role in establishing the Women's Indian Association in 1917, which championed causes like female education and suffrage. Her efforts were instrumental in advancing women's rights in India.
Legacy
After India gained independence in 1947, Naidu was appointed as the first female governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh), a position she held until her death in 1949. Her birthday, February 13, is celebrated as National Women's Day in India, honoring her contributions to the nation and her role in promoting women's rights. Sarojini Naidu's life and work continue to inspire generations, reflecting her unwavering commitment to India's freedom and the empowerment of its women.
