Great poet, even greater patriot

A political activist, poet and fervent champion for women's rights, Sarojini Naidu was born on February 13, 1879, in Hyderabad. Known for her poetic brilliance, eloquence and indomitable spirit, she left an indelible mark on both the cultural and political landscape of India.

Sarojini Chattopadhyay demonstrated her literary talent at a young age. She was fluent in several languages, including English, Bengali and Telugu. At the age of 12, she was sent to London for higher studies, where she was influenced by prominent writers and thinkers who shaped her literary sensibilities. Her exposure to the works of Shakespeare, Byron and Keats, and Indian poets such as Rabindranath Tagore reflected in her own poetry.

Her literary capabilities were matched by her fierce patriotism and commitment to India’s struggle for independence. Her association with Mahatma Gandhi was profound. In 1902, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, an important leader of the nationalist movement, urged her to join politics.

Her involvement in social causes extended beyond politics. She tirelessly worked for the dignity of the common man and campaigned for women’s rights, believing that a country's greatness lies in the greatness of its women. In 1906, she spoke to the Social Council of Calcutta to advocate for women’s education, saying that nationalism depended on women's rights, and that the country’s liberation could not be separated from the liberation of women.

In 1917, Naidu sponsored the establishment of the Women's Indian Association, which championed female suffrage and empowerment. The first woman to become the president of the Indian National Congress, Naidu was arrested in 1930 during the Salt March organised by Gandhi; and was imprisoned for 21 months in 1942 for her participation in the Quit India Movement. Following India's Independence, she was appointed Governor of the United Provinces (present-day Uttar Pradesh), making her India's first woman Governor. Her appointment was a historic achievement, marking the breaking of another gender barrier in Indian politics.

She married Govindaraju Naidu, a doctor whom she met during her stay in England, in an inter-caste marriage that was called ‘groundbreaking and scandalous’.

A masterful storyteller, her extraordinary literary works, imbued with vibrant imagery, passionate emotion and deep nationalism, made her a significant figure in Indian literature. Her first collection of poems, ‘The Golden Threshold’, was published in 1905, marking the beginning of her literary career. Her poem ‘In the Bazaars of Hyderabad’ is a vivid portrayal of the bustling and colourful markets of the city. ‘The Bird of Time’ (1912), another significant collection of poems that revealed her engagement with deeper political and philosophical themes, reflected the turbulent political climate of the time. Her poems had a universal appeal, offering a broader reflection on human aspirations and the burdens of societal limitations.

Celebrated as a feminist luminary, Naidu's birthday also marks National Women's Day.

A freedom fighter, drafter of the Constitution, poet, activist and a path-breaker for women everywhere, Naidu was not just a product of her time, but a force that shaped it. From emphatic verses to fiery speeches, she stands tall in the literary and political domain. For the lyrical quality and emotional depth of her poetry, Gandhi gave her the title of 'Nightingale of India'.

Naidu passed away at the age of 70 due to cardiac arrest on March 2, 1949, in Lucknow.