Sarojini Naidu- The Nightingale of India

• 13 Feb 2023

Why in News?

13^th February marks the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu. She was famously known as Bharatiya Kokila (The Nightingale of India).

• India celebrates Sarojini Naidu's birth anniversary as National Women's Day.

Who was Sarojini Naidu?

• About:
  • Sarojini Naidu, was an Indian independence activist, poet, and politician.
    • She was born on February 13, 1879, in Hyderabad, India.
  • She joined the Indian national movement in the wake of partition of Bengal in 1905.
  • The British government lauded Sarojini Naidu with the ‘Kaisar-i-Hind’ Medal for her service during the plague epidemic in India.
• Contribution to Indian Freedom Movement:
  • First Indian Woman President of INC: Naidu was elected as the first Indian woman president of the Indian National Congress(INC) in 1925(Kanpur Session) and continued to hold this position till 1928.
    • Annie Besant was the first woman President of the INC who presided it in 1917.
  • Participated in Non-Cooperation Movement: Naidu took part in the Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Gandhi in 1920 and was arrested several times for her involvement in various freedom activities.
  • Lead Salt Satyagraha: In 1930, Naidu was selected by Gandhi to lead the Salt Satyagraha, a nonviolent protest against the British monopoly on salt production in India.
    • On May 21, Sarojini Naidu led 2,500 marchers on the Dharasana Salt Works, some 150 miles north of Bombay. 
  • Quit India Movement: In 1942, Sarojini Naidu was arrested during the "Quit India" movement and was jailed for 21 months with Gandhiji.
  • Traveled Abroad to Raise Awareness: Naidu traveled to different countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, to raise awareness about India's struggle for independence and to mobilize international support.
    • She also represented India at various international forums and spoke about the Indian independence movement and women's rights.
• Contribution as a Politician:
  • Second Round Table Conference: She accompanied Gandhiji to London for the inconclusive second session of the Round Table Conference for Indian–British cooperation (1931).
  • Governor of Uttar Pradesh: After India gained independence, Naidu was appointed as the governor of Uttar Pradesh, becoming the first woman to hold a governor's office in India.
• Other Contributions:
  • A Renowned Poetess: Naidu was a renowned poetess and wrote in both English and Urdu.
    • Published in 1912, ‘In the Bazaars of Hyderabad’ remains one of her most popular poems.
    • Her other works include "The Golden Threshold (1905)", "The Bird of Time (1912)", and "The Broken Wing (1912)".
  • Worked for Women's Empowerment: Naidu was a strong advocate of women's rights and worked tirelessly to empower women in India.
    • She was also a member of the All-India Women's Conference and worked to improve the status of women in India.
• Death:
  • She died on March 2, 1949, in Lucknow, India.
• Relevance of Sarojini Naidu in Present Times:
  • Sarojini Naidu was a multifaceted personality and remains a role model for women in India and around the world. Her courage, dedication, and leadership inspired millions of Indians and continue to inspire generations to come.

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UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q1. Who of the following is the author of a collection of poems called “Golden Threshold”? (2009)

(a) Aruna Asaf Ali
(b) Annie Besant
(c) Sarojini Naidu
(d) Vijayalakshmi Pandit

Ans: (c)

Q2. Consider the following statements: (2015)

1. The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu.
2. The first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress was Badruddin Tyabji.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (b)

Source: ET