Sarojini Naidu: Nightingale of India, Contributions, Advocacy for Women's Rights

Sarojini Naidu was a renowned Indian poet, freedom fighter, and politician, famously known as the "Nightingale of India" for her lyrical poetry. She played a pivotal role in India's independence movement, becoming the first woman to preside over the Indian National Congress in 1925. Sarojini co-founded the Women's Indian Association in 1917, advocating for women's education and rights. 

She served as the first female governor of Uttar Pradesh post-independence, promoting social welfare and communal harmony. Her legacy endures through National Women's Day, literary tributes, and memorials honouring her contributions to literature and women's rights.

Sarojini Naidu

Sarojini Naidu, born on February 13, 1879, in Hyderabad, was a renowned Indian poet, freedom fighter, and politician. Famously known as the "Nightingale of India" for her lyrical poetry, she contributed significantly to India's independence movement. A child prodigy, she completed her education at King's College, London, and Girton College, Cambridge. Inspired by leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Naidu became an influential figure in the Indian National Congress (INC), advocating for women's rights, social reforms, and Swaraj (self-rule). 

• She was the first woman to preside over the INC session in 1925 and played an active role in the Salt March alongside Mahatma Gandhi. 
• In 1947, she became the first female governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh), marking another milestone in her remarkable career. 

Sarojini Naidu's Involvement in Politics

Sarojini Naidu's involvement in politics was pivotal in India's fight for independence. Her work was marked by involvement in the INC, where she was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and his vision of Swaraj.

• In 1925, Sarojini Naidu was appointed as the president of the Indian National Congress, becoming the second woman after Annie Besant and the first Indian woman to hold this position.
• She was arrested due to her involvement in the Salt March in 1930 and to the Civil Disobedience Movement.
• In 1942, she played a crucial role in the Quit India Movement, which led to further imprisonment, spending over 21 months in jail.

Sarojini Naidu Literary Contribution

Sarojini Naidu's literary prowess was evident from a young age. Her poetry is characterized by its lyrical quality, vivid imagery, and deep emotion. She wrote extensively about love, nature, and patriotism, and her works reflect a blend of Indian themes with Western literary forms. Significant Literary Works of Sarojini Naidu include the following:

• The Golden Threshold (1905): Her first collection of poems, which includes "Palanquin Bearers" and "Indian Weavers." This work established her as a significant literary figure.
• The Bird of Time (1912): This collection explores themes of love and death, with notable poems like "In the Bazaars of Hyderabad," which vividly captures the vibrancy of Indian marketplaces.
• The Broken Wing (1917): Reflects her patriotic fervor and includes the famous poem "The Gift of India," which honors the Indian soldiers who fought in World War I.
• The Sceptred Flute Songs of India (1928): A compilation of her earlier works, this collection highlights her nationalistic fervour and love for India.
• The Feather of the Dawn (1961, posthumously published): Compiled by her daughter Padmaja Naidu, this collection features poems that reflect her enduring spirit and poetic genius.

Sarojini Naidu's Advocacy for Women's Rights

Sarojini Naidu advocated for women's education and active public participation, emphasizing their role in politics and society. She co-founded the Women's Indian Association promoting women's rights, and represented India at international conferences to support gender equality.

• Advancement of Women's Education: Sarojini Naidu advocated for women's education as essential for empowerment and national progress, encouraging women to break traditional constraints and actively participate in public life for nation-building.
• The Women's Indian Association: In 1917, Sarojini Naidu co-founded the Women's Indian Association (WIA) to promote women's education, health, and legal rights. Under her leadership, the WIA campaigned for women's suffrage and legal reforms, establishing a foundation for future advancements in women's rights.
• All India Women's Conferences: In 1927, Sarojini Naidu participated in the International Women's Conference, highlighting the plight and potential of Indian women, which garnered global support. She also served as the fourth president of the All India Women's Conference (AIWC) in 1930.

Sarojini Naidu's Contributions to Post-Independence India

As Uttar Pradesh's first female Governor, Sarojini Naidu promoted social welfare, education, and communal harmony. She also advanced women's rights by advocating for legal reforms and improving socio-economic conditions for women.

• As Governor of a State: In 1947, Sarojini Naidu became Governor of Uttar Pradesh, the largest state in independent India. Her tenure as Governor was marked by her efforts to promote social welfare, education, and communal harmony. 
• Promoting Communal Harmony: Naidu worked tirelessly to foster communal harmony in a country grappling with the aftermath of partition. She advocated for peace and unity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmony between different religious and cultural communities.
• Advancing Women's Rights: Even after independence, Naidu continued her advocacy for women's rights. Her efforts included advocating for laws that protected women's rights in marriage, inheritance, and employment.

Sarojini Naidu Legacy

Sarojini Naidu's legacy is celebrated through National Women's Day, literary tributes, public memorials, and government awards. Her contributions to women's rights, literature, and India's freedom struggle continue to inspire and shape modern India.

• National Women's Day: In honour of Sarojini Naidu's contributions, her birthday, February 13, is celebrated as National Women's Day in India. This day recognizes her efforts in advocating for women's rights and her role in the freedom struggle.
• Government Awards: The Indian government has instituted several awards in her name to honour outstanding contributions to literature, social service, and women's rights. 
• For instance, the Sarojini Naidu Prize for Best Reporting on Women’s Issues.

Sarojini Naidu UPSC PYQs 

Question 1: Who of the following is the author of a collection of poems called “Golden Threshold”? (UPSC Prelims 2009)

(a) Aruna Asaf Ali

(b) Annie Besant

(c) Sarojini Naidu

(d) Vijayalakshmi Pandit

Answer: (c)

Question 2: Consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 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

Answer: (b)

Sarojini Naidu FAQs 

Q1. Who was Sarojini Naidu?
Ans. Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949) was a renowned Indian poet and freedom fighter who played a key role in India's independence movement.

Q2. Why is Sarojini Naidu known as the "Nightingale of India"?
Ans. She earned this title due to her expressive, lyrical poetry, likened to the melodious songs of a nightingale.

Q3. What did Sarojini Naidu do for India?
Ans. She contributed to India's independence movement, wrote influential poetry, and became the first female Governor of an Indian state.

Q4. What was Sarojini Naidu famous for?
Ans. She was famous for her leadership in the independence movement, her poetry, and being the first female president of the Indian National Congress.

Q5. What were some notable works of Sarojini Naidu?
Ans. Her famous poems include "In the Bazaars of Hyderabad," "The Ballad of Puran Bhagat," and "The Broken Wing."