Known to be the renowned poet and freedom fighter, Sarojini Naidu’s life is no less than an inspiration. Today, on her 141st Birth Anniversary, let’s know more about the great lady who is also known by the name of Nightingale of India for her majestic work in the field of literature. The poems penned by Sarojini Naidu became globally famous, and played a significant role in evoking the Indian freedom struggle from the colonial rule.
Born on February 13, 1979, Naidu was educated in Chennai, Cambridge and London. It was during her time in England she realized the need to free India from the jaws of British. This led her to join the Indian National Congress’ movement to fight against the British rule for complete freedom. Meanwhile, her contribution towards the society and women’s emancipation are worth to mention as it led to the foundation of a modern and forward-thinking culture in India.
Sarojini Naidu – The Never-ending Lady
Later, Sarojini Naidu become the staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi and his idea of Swaraj. She also participated in the Indian nationalist Movement. Naidu was appointed as Indian National Congress’ President in the year 1925 and went on becoming the Governor of United Provinces in 1947.
Her journey from writing at an earlier age to joining Independence Movement in 1905 after partition of Bengal is an example of unparallel contribution for development of the people of India. The list of awards and honors given to Sarojini Naidu are:
For her astounding work during the epidemic plague, she was awarded the Kaisar-I-Hind Medal by the British Government
Naidu was felicitated with the Title “Nightingale of India” for her notable work in the field of Poetry
Google honored Sarojini Naidu with a Google Doodle on her 135th Birth Anniversary. The Asteroid 5647 Sarojininaidu that was observed in the year 1990 was named in her memory
Note: Naidu returned the Kaisar-I-Hind Medal to show her protest against the Briotsih Government for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.