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Sarojini Naidu, the Nightingale of India, was a poet, politician, and freedom fighter whose legacy continues to inspire. Born in 1879, she overcame health challenges to excel academically and linguistically. Her poetic brilliance shone through acclaimed collections like "The Golden Threshold" and "The Broken Wings." A leader in the Indian National Movement, she was influenced by Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Mahatma Gandhi. Naidu's oratory skills and advocacy for women's rights were renowned nationally and internationally. Serving as the first woman Governor of the United Province, she continued to bridge divides post-independence. Her legacy endures as a symbol of courage and inspiration, shaping India's socio-political landscape for generations.
Buddha talked about four noble truths which can lead to enlightenment. These are the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering, and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering.
It is a four-faced lion-headed capital pillar which was found at Sarnath and dates back to 250BC. It was placed atop a pillar by Ashoka. It is now a prominent part of the National Emblem of India showing the Horse on the left and the Bull on the right of the Ashoka Chakra in the circular base on which the four Indian lions are standing back to back. On the other sides, a lion and a galloping horse are also found. The base of the capital is a bell-shaped inverted lotus. It is highly polished and was made out of a single sandstone. It is very well preserved despite centuries of decay and displacement which is a testament to the craftsmanship and scientific knowledge of Ashokan times.
Sarojini Naidu wrote several acclaimed poems, including "The Golden Threshold," "The Bird of Time," "The Broken Wings," and "The Feather of the Dawn," which showcased her poetic brilliance and thematic richness.
Sarojini Naidu is famously known as the "Nightingale of India" (Bharat Kokila), a title bestowed upon her by Mahatma Gandhi in recognition of her remarkable literary prowess and contributions to Indian literature.
Sarojini Naidu, born on February 13, 1879, into a Bengali middle-class family in Hyderabad, emerged as a beacon of courage and talent. Her upbringing in a culturally rich environment instilled in her a deep appreciation for beauty and communal harmony. From her mother, Barada Sundari Devi, she inherited a poetic temperament, while her father, Aghornath Chattopadhyaya, imparted lessons of tolerance and appreciation for India's composite culture. Naidu's brilliance was evident from a young age as she excelled in her studies, mastering languages such as Urdu, Telugu, Bengali, English, and Persian. Remarkably, she passed her Matriculation examination at the tender age of twelve, showcasing her intellectual prowess.
Sarojini Naidu, famously known as the Nightingale of India, was a multifaceted personality who left an indelible mark on Indian history through her contributions as a poet, politician, and activist. In her honour, numerous institutions, streets, and awards have been named after her, ensuring that her legacy lives on for posterity. India commemorates Sarojini Naidu's birth anniversary on February 13 as National Women's Day.
Despite her early academic success, Naidu faced challenges due to ill health. After a three-year break, she resumed her studies at King's College, London. However, her health issues persisted, forcing her to discontinue her education and return to Hyderabad in 1895. Despite this setback, Naidu's thirst for knowledge and her innate talents continued to flourish, laying the foundation for her future endeavors.
In addition to her linguistic proficiency, Naidu's exposure to diverse cultures during her formative years enriched her understanding of the world and fueled her passion for social justice and equality.
Mahatma Gandhi bestowed upon Sarojini Naidu the epithet of 'Nightingale of India' (Bharat Kokila) in recognition of her remarkable literary prowess and her ability to infuse her poetry with a diverse array of themes and emotions.
Collectively, Sarojini Naidu's four volumes of poetry stand as a testament to her enduring legacy as one of India's greatest women writers. Through her evocative verses, she not only captured the spirit of her times but also contributed to the rich tapestry of Indian literature.
Sarojini Naidu's journey as a political luminary began with her active participation in the Indian National Movement. She associated herself with prominent leaders such as Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Rabindranath Tagore, Annie Besant, C.P. Rama Swami Iyer, Mahatma Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru, whose mentorship and guidance shaped her political ideology and activism.
It was Gopal Krishna Gokhale who, in 1902, urged Sarojini Naidu to commit herself to the service of her motherland. However, it was Mahatma Gandhi, particularly through his Champaran Satyagraha, who deeply inspired Naidu and became her political mentor and idol. Under Gandhi's tutelage, Naidu's dedication to the cause of Indian independence deepened, and she emerged as a fervent advocate for nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule.
Sarojini Naidu's interest in national affairs was evident as early as 1903 when she delivered a patriotic poem titled "To India" at the Bombay Session of the Indian National Congress. Throughout her career, she penned stirring poems like "Gift of India" and "Anthem of Love," which reverberated with patriotic fervor and captured the spirit of India's struggle for freedom. Naidu's oratorical skills were equally renowned, with her flawless English, profound grasp of subject matter, and engaging rhetorical style earning her admiration and applause wherever she spoke. Her speeches, infused with flashes of wit, humour, and a human touch, resonated deeply with audiences and further solidified her reputation as a formidable orator and advocate for Indian independence.
In 1906, she delivered a seminal address at the Indian Social Conference in Calcutta, focusing on 'The Education of Indian Women.' Recognizing the pivotal role of education in empowering women, Naidu emphasized the importance of providing access to quality education for Indian women to achieve social and economic equality.
In December 1908, Naidu demonstrated her advocacy for women's rights by moving a resolution at the Indian National Social Conference held in Madras. This resolution addressed the pressing issue of Hindu widows' plight and advocated for their amelioration and remarriage rights. Naidu's bold stance on this matter challenged societal norms and contributed to the ongoing discourse on women's rights in India.
In 1917, Sarojini Naidu played a key role in founding the Women's Indian Association. Concurrently, she, alongside Annie Besant, traveled to London to advocate for women's suffrage before the Joint Select Committee. In 1918, at the eighth session of the Bombay Provincial Council in Bijapur, Sarojini Naidu championed the cause of women's suffrage by moving a resolution on women's franchise. She argued passionately that the word 'man' should politically encompass 'woman' as well in discussions on citizens' rights. Naidu's advocacy for women's political participation laid the groundwork for future advancements in women's rights in India.
Sarojini Naidu's advocacy for women's rights extended beyond the borders of India. In 1931, while attending the Second Round Table Conference in London, she vigorously pleaded for women's rights on the international stage. Her impassioned advocacy highlighted the importance of gender equality as a fundamental principle of democratic governance and social justice.
In 1933, Sarojini Naidu furthered her commitment to women's education by playing a pivotal role in the establishment of Lady Irwin College for Women in Delhi. This institution aimed to provide women with access to higher education and professional opportunities, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to society and the nation-building process.
In her quest to liberate India from British rule, Sarojini Naidu traveled to London in 1919 as a representative of the All India Home Rule League. In 1920, she returned to India to actively participate in Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha Movement, aligning herself with the burgeoning national movement for independence.
Sarojini Naidu made history as the first Indian woman to be elected as President of the Indian National Congress (INC) during the Kanpur Session of 1925. Prior to her, Annie Besant served as the first woman President of the INC in 1917.
In March 1947, Sarojini Naidu assumed the prestigious role of presiding over the Asian Relations Conference held in Delhi. Welcoming delegates from various countries across Asia, Naidu articulated a vision of a unified and peace-loving Asia. She emphasized the importance of fostering camaraderie and collaboration among Asian nations, envisioning a continent characterized by fellowship rather than enmity. Naidu's presidential address at the conference was hailed as one of the most brilliant examples of her oratorical prowess, resonating with her impassioned call for unity and cooperation.
Following India's independence, Sarojini Naidu made history as the first woman Governor of the United Province (present-day Uttar Pradesh). In this role, she left an indelible mark on the style of administration, blending efficiency with a certain degree of informality. Naidu's leadership was characterized by a commitment to fostering inclusivity and reconciliation, as she played a pivotal role in bridging divides between rival factions and conflicting ideologies.
Sarojini Naidu College named after freedom fighter Sarojini Naidu was established in 1956 in Kolkata with the aim to provide higher education to women. The college is affiliated with West Bengal State University.
Sarojini Naidu's passing on March 2, 1949, left a profound void in the nation's collective consciousness. Her life and achievements exemplify the spirit of resilience, creativity, and patriotism. As a poet, politician, and freedom fighter, she left an indelible imprint on the fabric of Indian society, inspiring millions with her words and actions. The Nightingale of India will forever be remembered as a symbol of courage, eloquence, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of justice, equality, and freedom.
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