Sarojini Naidu Birth Anniversary 2025: This year will mark the 146th Jayanti of Sarojini Naidu, a renowned activist and poet. Popularly known as "the Nightingale of India" or "Bharat Kokila" Sarojini Naidu has significantly contributed to the nation during the independence movements and post-independence. Read on to learn more about Sarojini Naidu Birth Anniversary 2025.
Sarojini Naidu Birth Anniversary 2025 will be celebrated on February 13, 2025, to honor her remarkable contributions to Indian politics, literature, and the freedom struggle. She was not only the first Indian woman to become the president of the Indian National Congress but also the first woman to become the governor of an Indian state after independence, serving as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh.
Throughout her life, Sarojini Naidu worked tirelessly for social reforms, including advocating for the rights of women and children. Her work in the struggle for India’s independence and her advocacy for the empowerment of women made her one of the most influential figures in Indian history.
Sarojini Naidu was born on February 13, 1879, in Hyderabad into a well-educated Bengali family. Her father, Aghornath Chattopadhyay, was a scientist and philosopher, and her mother, Barada Sundari Devi, was a poetess. Sarojini was highly intelligent from a young age and was sent to England for her schooling.
It was during this time she started contributing to the Indian independence movement. Here is a brief overview of her biography:
Biography of Sarojini Naidu |
|
Full Name |
Sarojini Chattopadhyay Naidu |
Date of Birth |
13 February 1879 |
Place of Birth |
Hyderabad, India |
Education |
University of Madras, King’s College (London), Girton College (Cambridge) |
Political Affiliations |
Indian National Congress, Women’s Indian Association |
Major Contributions |
|
Literary Works |
The Golden Threshold (1905), The Bird of Time (1912), The Broken Wing (1917), Notable poem: "In the Bazaars of Hyderabad" |
Honors |
Named ‘the Nightingale of India’, or ‘Bharat Kokila’ by Mahatma Gandhi |
Death |
2 March 1949, Lucknow, India |
Sarojini Naidu played an important role in India's struggle for independence. She was influenced by leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Mahatma Gandhi in her early years and made significant contributions to the movement. Here are her key contributions:
Early Phase: From 1915 to 1918, she traveled across India to encourage women to participate in the independence movement through speeches on nationalism and empowerment.
Non-Cooperation Movement: Naidu actively participated in this movement starting in 1920, where she was arrested multiple times for her involvement.
President of Indian National Congress: In 1925, she became the first Indian woman to serve as the president of the Indian National Congress inspiring women in national politics.
Civil Disobedience and Salt Satyagraha: She played a crucial role during the Salt Satyagraha in 1930 and led the Dharasana Satyagraha after Gandhi's arrest, demonstrating her commitment to nonviolent resistance.
Round Table Conference: Naidu represented India at the second Round Table Conference in London in 1931 alongside Gandhi Ji.
Quit India Movement: Naidu joined this movement in 1942 and was arrested again for her involvement.
Sarojini Naidu's achievements span across various fields including literature, politics, and women's rights. Some of her key achievements are:
Elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1914
Co-founder of Women's Indian Association in 1917.
First woman president of the Indian National Congress in 1925.
Member of the Constituent Assembly.
Appointed as the Governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) becoming the first female governor of an Indian State (1947-1949)
Following India's independence in 1947, Sarojini Naidu became India's first woman governor. She was appointed as the governor of the United Provinces, now known as Uttar Pradesh, and served in this position until her death on March 2, 1949.
Further, as a member of the constituent assembly, she played a crucial role in the drafting of the constitution of India. She famously said ‘“ In the battle for liberty, fear is one unforgivable treachery and despair, the one unforgivable sin” to affirm her faith in courage and hope while guiding people to serve the nation.
Sarojini Naidu was an advocate for women's rights in India and played a significant role in promoting women's empowerment during her life in the fields of:
Education: Naidu strongly supported women's education, believing it was important for their empowerment and society's progress.
Voting Rights: In 1917, Naidu co-founded the Women's Indian Association to fight for women's suffrage, leading delegations to London and playing a key role in securing limited voting rights for women in the 1919 Government of India Act.
Political Representation: As the first woman president of the INC, Naidu highlighted the crucial role of women in politics and pushed for women's inclusion in legislative bodies.
Social Empowerment: Sarojini Naidu actively campaigned against social injustices such as child marriage and purdah and worked towards legal reforms.
Global Campaigns: She frequently raised her voice for women's empowerment at international women’s conferences.
In conclusion, Sarojini Naidu's legacy as a poet, activist, and leader continues to inspire us. Her contributions to India’s freedom struggle and her dedication to social reforms, especially women's rights will be remembered for generations to come.