Sarojini Naidu: The Nightingale of India

Sarojini Naidu (13 February 1879 – 2 March 1949) was freedom fighter, poet, and politician who played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence. She was known as the “Nightingale of India” for her lyrical poetry and oratory skills.

Early Life and Sarojini Naidu Education

Sarojini Naidu was born on 13 February 1879 in Hyderabad . Her father, Aghorenath Chattopadhyay, was a physicist, philosopher, and teacher. Her mother, Barada Sundari Devi, was a social reformer and poet. Sarojini was eldest amongst his eight siblings.

Sarojini Naidu demonstrated remarkable intelligence and language proficiency at a young age. She did exceptionally well in Urdu, Persian, and English, among other disciplines. At the age of twelve, she wrote a 1,300-line poem titled ‘The Lady of the Lake’ which demonstrated her poetic talent. Her father urged her to continue her education overseas.

When Sarojini was sixteen years, the Nizam of Hyderabad gave her a scholarship to study in England. She went to Girton College in Cambridge after attending King’s College in London. She was exposed to feminist ideas, Western literature, and political philosophy while she was living in England, all of which had a significant impact on her subsequent pursuits. The writings of Keats, Tennyson, and Shelley in particular influenced her and improved the quality of her poetry.

Sarojini Naidu Books

Sarojini Naidu poems were known for their musical quality, vivid imagery, and deep patriotism, which made her a beloved literary figure. She beautifully captured themes of Indian culture, nature, love, and nationalism in her works.

Sarojini Naidu was given the title “Nightingale of India” by Mahatma Gandhi because of her lyrical poetry and remarkable oratory skills.

Among her well-known literary creations are:

• The Golden Threshold (1905): A compilation of poetry that combines English literary
  traditions with themes of Indian life.
• The Bird of Time (1912): This collection of poems, which highlights her skill as a lyricist, explores themes of love, patriotism, and the plight of the oppressed.
• The Broken Wing (1917): One of her best-known poems, Awake, which exhorts Indians to rebel against British rule, is included in this collection.

Role in Freedom Movement

The Bengal Partition profoundly affected Sarojini Naidu in 1905, marking the beginning of
her transformation from poet to political activist. She actively participated in a number of
freedom movements after joining the Indian National Congress. Among the pivotal points in
her political career are:

1. Entry into Politics (1905 – 1919)

• Inspired by Gopal Krishna Gokhale, she joined the Indian freedom movement.
• Became involved in the Swadeshi Movement and worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
• Advocated for women’s rights, social reforms, and Hindu-Muslim unity.

2. Non-Cooperation Movement (1921-22)

• She spread the message of self-rule in close collaboration with Mahatma Gandhi and other influential figures.

2. Key Role in the Indian National Congress (INC)

• Sarojini Naidu became President of the Indian National Congress in the Kanpur session held in 1925.
• She the first Indian woman (and second woman overall after Annie Besant) to preside over the Congress session.

3. Salt Satyagraha (1930)

• She led demonstrations against British salt regulations and was a key participant in the Salt March led by Mahatma Gandhi.

4. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)

• She participated in anti-British demonstrations and was also arrested for it.

5. Round Table Conferences (1931)

• Sarojini Naidu played a significant role in the Second Round Table Conference (1931) as one of the key representatives of the Indian National Congress (INC).
• She was part of the Indian delegation led by Mahatma Gandhi.
• She was the only woman representative in the INC delegation.

6. Quit India Movement and Imprisonment (1942 – 1943)

• Sarojini Naidu played a crucial role in the Quit India Movement of 1942, which was launched by Mahatma Gandhi on August 8, 1942.
• She was Arrested by the British and imprisoned in Ahmednagar Fort for 21 months along with Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders.

Social Work and Women Empowerment

In addition to her contributions to literature and politics, Sarojini Naidu was a fervent
advocate for social change. She made social justice, education, and women’s rights her top
priorities. Her main contributions consist of:

• Education for Women: She urged Indian women to pursue education and develop their
  independence.
• Women’s Political Participation: She advocated for women’s participation in leadership and governance and was a founding member of the Women’s Indian Association.
• Elimination of Social Evils: She advocated against the purdah system, child marriage, and untouchability.
• Encouragement of Hindu-Muslim Unity: She devoted her life to fostering national unity and intercommunal harmony.
• She was a trailblazer in India’s feminist movement because of her unwavering support of women’s rights.

First Governor of Uttar Pradesh and First Female Governor of any Indian State

• After India gained independence on 15 August 1947, Sarojini Naidu continued to serve the nation.
• She was appointed as the First Governor of Uttar Pradesh (15 August 1947 – 2 March 1949). The administration of the newly established state
  was significantly shaped by her leadership.
• She was the first woman to become a Governor in independent India.

She continued to be a modest and devoted public servant in spite of her accomplishments.

See official website of Uttar Pradesh Governor.

Sarojini Naidu Death

Sarojini Naidu died when she was Governor of Uttar Pradesh. She died of a heart attack on 2 March 1949. Although generations have been inspired by her contributions, her passing signified the loss of a great reformer, poet, and leader.

Sarojini Naidu and National Women’s Day, 13 February

Sarojini Naidu continues to make incomparable contributions to politics, literature, and social reform. In India, her birthday, 13 February, is observed as National Women’s Day to commemorate her contributions to women’s empowerment. She left behind an enduring legacy of bravery and inventiveness, paving the way for later generations of women in literature and politics.

Also see: International Women’s Day

Conclusion

Sarojini Naidu was a multi-talented individual who was a poet, a social reformer, a nationalist, and an advocate for women’s rights. She advocated for social justice and India’s independence using her voice and pen. Her influence endures, serving as a constant reminder of the ability of both words and deeds to influence a country.