On the commemoration of March 2, we reflect upon the passing of Sarojini Naidu, hailed as ‘the Nightingale of India’ or ‘Bharat Kokila.’
Sarojini Naidu, a renowned poetess, freedom fighter, and eloquent orator of her era, etched her name as the inaugural female Governor of the United Provinces, now Uttar Pradesh.
During her youth, Naidu penned the play “Maher Muneer,” earning a scholarship that propelled her abroad for advanced studies. Noted for her leadership and a Constituent Assembly member, she departed on March 2, 1949, succumbing to cardiac arrest at the Government House in Lucknow.
Early Life – Born in Hyderabad, Sarojini Naidu, the eldest offspring of Aghornath Chattopadhyaya, a polymath, and Varada Sundari Devi, a Bengali poet, emerged from a lineage deeply rooted in academia and activism. Her father, founder of Nizam College, Hyderabad, and an inaugural Indian National Congress member in Hyderabad, exposed her to diverse languages such as Urdu, Telugu, English, Persian, and Bengali.
At 12, she gained national acclaim by enrolling in Madras University. At sixteen, she voyaged to England, studying first at King’s College London and later at Girton College, Cambridge. In England, she aligned herself with the Suffragette movement. In 1905, amidst protests against Bengal’s partition, she joined the Indian National Congress, advocating for women’s rights, universal education, and Hindu-Muslim unity.
Notable Literary Works – Sarojini Naidu’s literary opus captures India’s cultural tapestry, landscapes, and the fervor of its quest for freedom. Influenced by the national movement, her poetry evolved to embody a pronounced sense of nationalism and a nuanced critique of colonial dominance. Major works include “The Golden Threshold,” her debut collection named after her familial abode in Hyderabad.
“The Bird of Time,” published in 1912, features patriotic pieces reflecting her profound love for her homeland. “The Broken Wing,” known for the renowned poem ‘In the Bazaars of Hyderabad,’ and “The Sceptred Flute” (1928): Songs of India, a posthumously published anthology, artfully interweave Indian tradition with the English language.
“The Feather of The Dawn,” edited by her daughter Padmaja Naidu and released in 1961, comprises previously unpublished poems.
Other Works: Palanquin Bearers, Speeches and Writings of Sarojini Naidu, Muhammad Jinnah: An Ambassador of Unity, The Broken Wing: Songs of Love, Death and the Spring, The Gift of India, The Indian Weavers, The Sceptred Flute: Songs of India.
Contributions to the Freedom Struggle – Influenced by Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Naidu dedicated herself to India’s independence cause. Joining the national movement in 1905, she deepened her involvement upon encountering Mahatma Gandhi. Naidu actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement, enduring several arrests. In 1925, she became the President of the Indian National Congress, a historic milestone for women in the independence movement.
Her leadership extended to the Civil Disobedience Movement and the 1930 Salt Satyagraha. Naidu demonstrated courage during the Dharasana Satyagraha, showcasing resilience against colonial repression. She accompanied Gandhi to the 1931 London Round Table Conference and registered her participation in the Quit India Movement in 1942.
Championing women’s rights, Naidu mobilized international support for the freedom struggle, representing India in various global forums.
Inspirational Quotes by Sarojini Naidu – “To quench my longing I bent me low/ By the streams of the spirits of Peace that flow/ In that magical wood in the land of sleep.”
“We want deeper sincerity of motive, a greater courage in speech, and earnestness in action.”
“A country’s greatness lies in its undying ideals of love and sacrifice that inspire the mothers of the race.”
Her childhood residence, ‘The Golden Threshold’ in Nampally, bequeathed to the University of Hyderabad, now houses the School of Fine Arts and Communication, named ‘Sarojini Naidu School of Arts and Communication’ in her honor.