The Nightingale of India

An author, a nationalist and one of the biggest reminders of female power, Sarojini Naidu set the stage for years of progress and growth in the country. Let's look at the contributions of this great woman!

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Known to many by the sobriquet 'The Nightingale of India,' Sarojini Naidu was born in a Bengali family in Hyderabad and earned her pseudonym from Mahatma Gandhi. Although Sarojini Naid is known for many things, her eloquent poems and literary contributions are just some things that people remember her fondly.

As India turns 75, it is only fitting that we remember one of the people who stirred national sentiment with their actions and words. Sarojini Naidu was a freedom fighter committed to the Independence of India, a scientist, philosopher, and educator.

Born in 1879, her love for poetry started very young. One of her most outstanding achievements as a genius poet is her 1300-line poem, 'Lady of the Lake,' which she managed to pen down at a very young age. She also worked to acclaim international recognition for her Persian language play 'Maher Muneer.'

By 12, she started producing potent verses that launched her literary career. Naidu's impressive work and commitment to education earned her a scholarship from the Nizam of Hyderabad, and she later studied at the King's College in England. Aside from her literary success, her proficiency in languages like Urdu, Telegu, Bangla, and Persian gave her the ability to communicate and connect with different people of the subcontinent.

Amongst other things, Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman appointed as the Indian National Congress president. In tune with her defiance of customs and conservative culture, she married a man outside her cast; Muthyala Govindrajulu Naidu. A revolutionary at heart, Sarojini Naidu tried to stir emotions of social welfare and women empowerment alongside nationalism and emancipation.

As a righteous Satyawadi, she participated in the Quit India Movement alongside eminent freedom fighters. As a result, Naidu was imprisoned for almost 21 months and was later made Governor of Independent India. Aside from the Quit India Movement, she was an active part of the Non-Cooperation movement in 1919 and participated alongside Mahatma Gandhi in the Salt March in 1930. Even in the Civil Disobedience Movement, her role was significant.

Sarojini Naidu had a fine artistic sense. In 'The Bazaars of Hyderabad,' she accredits the different indigenous products that gave the subcontinent its uniqueness and credibility. However, when it came to her style, she was mostly seen adorning clothes made of 'khadi.' Boycotting British products was a vital part of the movement, so naturally, Naidu gave up her love for silk and jewellery to participate in the struggle for freedom.

Sarojini Naidu's contributions to our country are given ode on her birthday. The international community celebrates International Women's Day on March 8. However, India pays her respect to the remembrance of Sarojini Naidu by marking her birthday as National Women's Day on February 13.

At 70, merely two years after India awakened to freedom, Sarojini Naidu passed away in Lucknow. Her life and contributions to the freedom struggle are still remembered dearly. Remembering her on the 75th anniversary of Independence helps serve as a reminder of just how many women were a part of the freedom struggle in their capacity.