February 13th is National Women’s Day in India. It is held in the honour of Sarojini Naidu, who was born on this day in 1879.

Who was Sarojini Naidu?

She was a very well known poet, freedom fighter, and champion of women’s rights.

Her birth anniversary, on the 13th of February, is a reminder of the contributions of Indian women and a call to action for promoting gender equality.

Sarojini Naidu: A Life Beyond Poetry

• Child Prodigy: Born in 1879, Sarojini Naidu mastered many languages (Urdu, Telugu, English, Bengali, Persian, Gujarati, and Hindi). She was an exceptional student and topped many exams.
• Freedom fighter: Sarojini Naidu used her powerful writing to speak up against British rule. Her poem “In the Bazaars of Hyderabad” is one example of a this.
• Champion of Women’s Rights: While her collection “The Bird of Time” earned her the title “Nightingale of India,” Naidu dedicated herself to advocating for women’s education, suffrage, and economic independence. She co-founded the Women’s Indian Association to pursue these goals.
• Joining Forces with Gandhi: She joined Mahatma Gandhi in the non-violent struggle for independence. She was an important figure and led protests like the Salt March and defied unjust laws, inspiring millions.
• First Woman:  Sarojini Naidu was the first woman president of the Indian National Congress (1925). She was also the first woman governor of Uttar Pradesh.

Lesser-Known Facts about Sarojini Naidu:

• International Stage: Naidu served as India’s delegate to the International Women’s Suffrage Alliance, advocating for women’s rights on a global platform.
• Beyond Gandhi: She also collaborated with other national leaders like Annie Besant and Muhammad Ali Jinnah in different phases of her career.
• Passionate about Theatre: Apart from poetry, Naidu enjoyed writing and directing plays, promoting Indian culture through theatrical productions.
• A Multilingual Scholar: Besides the mentioned languages, she had a working knowledge of Marathi and Sanskrit, showcasing her exceptional linguistic ability.
• Lifelong Learner: Even in her later years, Naidu continued to actively participate in conferences and debates, sharing her knowledge and advocating for social justice.

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