Sarojini Naidu (1879 – 1949)

Poet, Leader, and Advocate for Women’s Rights

Sarojini Naidu, known as the "Nightingale of India," was a pioneering poet and political leader who made significant contributions to India's independence movement. Born on 13 February 1879 in Hyderabad, she was the first woman to become the president of the Indian National Congress and later served as the first woman governor in independent India. Naidu’s remarkable blend of political activism and literary creativity set her apart as a key figure in the nation's history.

Her literary career flourished early, with her first poetry collection, The Golden Threshold, published in 1905. Naidu’s poetic voice, rich with Indian imagery and steeped in the Romantic traditions of English poetry, earned her widespread acclaim. She was called as the "Nightingale of India" due to her ability to evoke deep emotion through her poems. The Bird of Time (1912), her second book, and The Broken Wing (1917), became landmarks in Indian English literature, and poems like "In the Bazaars of Hyderabad" are still cherished today. Her works often reflected themes of love, loss, and patriotism, with a deep connection to Indian culture and heritage. As a fierce advocate for India's independence, she took part in various movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Salt March, and the Quit India Movement. Naidu's leadership extended beyond politics to social reform, where she was a staunch advocate for women’s education, rights, and suffrage, and she worked towards giving women a larger voice in India’s political landscape.

Sarojini Naidu was also the first woman to preside over the Indian National Congress in 1925, and in 1947, after India gained independence, she became the Governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh), breaking new ground for women in Indian politics. Her leadership in advocating for women's participation in the national movement helped further the cause of gender equality in India. Her life and work have left an indelible mark on both the literary and political landscapes of India.