Birth Anniversary of Sarojini Naidu: Things to know about Nightingale of India

Sarojini Naidu who was a freedom fighter and a famous politician of independent India was born on February 13. Popularly known as the Nightingale of India, her contribution towards the freedom movement and in the political and social scenario after India gained freedom is remembered to date.

On her birth anniversary, here are some interesting things about Sarojini Naidu.

Earned scholarship abroad for her work in literature

When she was 12, Sarojini started her literature career. The play “Maher Muneer” written by her got huge recognition and earned her a lot of appreciation globally. This play impressed the Nawab of Hyderabad so much that they offered her a scholarship at the age of 16. That is when she went abroad to study at London King’s College.

She received good guidance during her academic days in London from Nobel Laureates Edmond Gausse and Arthur Simon who advised her to give more focus to writing on Indian themes. She depicted Indian Contemporary events and life through her poetry and by the 20th century earned the reputation of being one of the most incredible poets of those days.

Her content was always full of emotions and feelings and also shed light on her experiences in life.

Personal life was also very interesting

During her college days in London, Sarojini Naidu fell in love with a non-Brahmin physician Padiapati Gvindarajulu Naidu. In those days marrying in other caste was a taboo. But Sarojini Devi went against society and bravely accepted her love and got married at the very young age of 19 in 1898. She had a successful marriage and was a mother of four children Padmaja, Jayasurvya, Leilaman, and Randheer.

Sarojini Naidu greeting Americans: pic.twitter.com/kXZgwejHXT

— Nehruvian (@_nehruvian) February 13, 2024

Took an active part in India’s freedom movement

She joined the Indian National Movement in 1905 and travelled to different places, and regions, and brought awareness to society through her speeches on women’s empowerment, social welfare, and nationalism. She established the Women’s Indian Association (WIA) in 1917. She became the president of the Indian National Congress in 1925, joined the Salt Satyagraha in 1930, and also was the president of the East African Indian Congress in South Africa.

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Extraordinary work done during the plague epidemic

Sarojini Naidu was awarded the Kaisar-i Hind medal for her extraordinary contribution when the plague hit India. She contributed actively during the Quit India Movement and was arrested and jailed by the British Government.

First woman Governor of India

She was the first woman governor of India and was offered the responsibility of the United Provinces of Agra and Awadh as the governor from 1947 to 1949.