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The Nightingale of India, who touched a million hearts with her timeless compositions, Sarojini Naidu was one of the fierce freedom fighters in India. She was the daughter of Aghoranath Chattopadhyaya- a scientist and Barada Sundari Devi- a Bengali poetess. Since her childhood, Sarojini was a literary prodigy and was proficient in Hindi, English, Persian, Urdu, Telugu, and Bengali. She studied at the University of Madras, King’s College London, and also pursued her studies further at Girton College, Cambridge. Her poetic charm and political devotion give us a lot to gain. Let’s look at the biography, quotes, poems, achievements, and works of the fearless Indian political activist – Sarojini Naidu, Nightingale of India.
This Blog Includes:
- Sarojini Naidu Biography
- Sarojini Naidu’s Education
- 10 Things to Learn from Sarojini Naidu
- Sarojini Naidu President of INC
- Writing Style
- Awards & Achievements
- Legacy of Sarojini Naidu
- Top 10 Sarojini Naidu Quotes for Your Daily Dose of Inspiration
- Best Poems by Sarojini Naidu
- Sarojini Naidu Books
- Sarojini Naidu’s Speech
- Essay on Sarojini Naidu
- FAQs
| Born | 13 February 1879 in Hyderabad, Hyderabad State, British India (now in Telangana, India) |
| Died | 2 March 1949 (aged 70) in Lucknow, United Provinces, Dominion of India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Political party | Indian National Congress |
| Alma mater | King’s College London Girton College, Cambridge University of Madras |
| Occupation | Political activist, poet |
| Notable works | The Golden Threshold “In the Bazaars of Hyderabad” |
| Nickname(s) | Bharat ki BulbulNightingale of India |
Also Read: Revisit the Landmarks of Indian Independence Struggle!
Sarojini Naidu Biography
Sarojini Naidu was born in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh on February 13, 1879. She went to Madras University and later moved to London, UK for higher education.
- Sarojini Naidu was the first of many women, she was the first woman to become the governor of India and also president of the Indian National Congress.
- Sarojini Naidu’s father was Aghornath Chattopadhyaya and Barada Sundari Devi and her husband were Dr Muthyala Govindarajulu Naidu. Sarojini Naidu had 5 children.
- Her birthday is celebrated as a women’s day to recognize all the women of India who changed history and as a day to empower and inspire millions of other women.
- Sarojini Naidu, Nightingale of India received the Kaisar-i-Hind Medal from the British government but later returned after the Jallianwala Bagh incident.
- She was an active activist during the essential national movements in India, a poet, and a feminist.
Apart from being an extraordinary child, Sarojini Naidu was desirous of an Independent India. She made valiant efforts by joining the Indian independence movement and Gandhi’s Satyagraha Movement; and also became the first Indian woman to be president of the Indian National Congress and went on to be appointed an Indian state governor.
Sarojini Naidu’s Education
Sarojini Naidu, Nightingale of India was born in a Bengali family and entered college at the age of twelve. Sarojini Naidu entered Madras university. She was excellent in academics and her father wanted to become a mathematician but her interest was always in poetry. Sarojini Naidu knew about 5 languages Hindi, English, Persian, Urdu, Telugu, and Bengali. She started writing at an early age, at 12 she started writing her first fiction. After graduating from Madras University, Sarojini Naidu shifted to the UK to study at King’s College London and later at the University of Cambridge.
Also Read: Passion Paves Career by Harjeet Khanduja
10 Things to Learn from Sarojini Naidu
Here are the 10 amazing things to learn from the Nightingale of India- Sarojini Naidu:
1. Be Passionate About Your Career
At the age of 12, Sarojini Naidu impressed the Nizam of the Kingdom of Hyderabad with her play- Maher Muneer, written in Persian. Having had an educated and encouraging family, she used every opportunity to excel in her passion. She explored and made her mark in the political world but kept writing concomitantly, without lowering her mark in either of her careers. Her literary works are admired by various people all over the world. Some of her renowned creations include “In The Bazaars of Hyderabad”, “The Golden Threshold”, The Bird Of Time, The Queen’s Rival, The Royal Tombs of Golconda, etc.
2. Patriotism
The sense of responsibility and belongingness to her motherland made her fight for its independence. She made it her mission to help the citizens of the land where she belonged which showed her sincere patriotism. She was imprisoned multiple times for joining the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement but come what may, she showed courage against the British and helped the citizens by motivating them and keeping their hopes high.
“To the comrades who fought in your dauntless ranks,
And you honour the deeds of the deathless ones,
Remember the blood of thy martyred sons..”
– The Gift of India by Sarojini Naidu
3. Actions, Not Just Words
Another essential lesson from the philosophical lady is to practice what you speak. Great revolutions don’t occur based on mere speeches and words, there has to be a firm execution. Sarojini Naidu, Nightingale of India practised her preachings by participating and initiating strong movements and rallies for the welfare and Independence of India against the British Raj. We often plan several things and make many decisions that lack execution. It is important to remember that all great leaders weren’t just good at speaking in public, but also living up to what they say.
“We want deeper sincerity of motive, a greater courage in speech and earnestness in action”
4. Women Empowerment
Sarojini Naidu, Nightingale of India was a lady who deeply understood and revolted for the emancipation of women and strived to create awareness. She witnessed the injustice against women in political and legislative bodies. She helped to establish the Women’s Indian Association (WIA) in 1917 which gained votes for women and the right to hold legislative office. This was a significant achievement for women in India contributed by Sarojini Naidu. Our country surely has developed to grant women the rights that they deserve. Yet, we have a long way to go.
Here are some sample Essays on Women Empowerment!
5. Use Your Voice
It is important to speak in your own way whenever you witness anything erroneous. Sarojini Naidu used her writings to voice out issues like gender roles, inequality, etc. that are deeply rooted in the Indian culture. She also went on and fought for the farmers in Bihar who were forced to grow indigo instead of the food crops that they required to survive.
“As long as I have life, as long as blood flows through this arm of mine, I shall not leave the cause of freedom…I am only a woman, only a poet. But as a woman, I give to you the weapons of faith and courage and the shield of fortitude. And as a poet, I fling out the banner of song and sound, the bugle call to battle. How shall I kindle the flame which shall waken you men from slavery…”
6. Know The Power Of Unity
Sarojini Naidu, Nightingale of India was one of the people who were deeply dismayed by the rift between the Hindus and the Muslims who formed the majority of the population in India. She knew the power these people had against the oppressive rule of the British once they were united. Under the guidance of Lokmanya Tilak, Naidu played a vital role in bringing about cooperation and harmony between Congress and the Muslim League. The day Indians eradicate their differences and find common ground, we will surely find harmony and success.
“No Indian could be loyal to the country and yet be narrow and sectarian in spirit… No matter whether it was temple or mosque, church or fire shrine, let them transcend the barriers that divide man from the man.”
7. Have Integrity and Hope
Another important lesson to learn from Sarojini Naidu, Nightingale of India is to have integrity. It takes immense courage to stand up for what is right in the face of powerful people. Even though she was surrounded by people who tried to falsely influence and impose ideas, she never showed a moment of weakness. There will be times of facing moral dilemmas but it’s better to stand alone with what’s right than be with the herd which is wrong. Often, we too face situations where it is easy to make the easier but wrong move. It is during these times our integrity is tested.
“In the battle for liberty, fear is one unforgivable treachery and despair, the one unforgivable sin.”
8. Gratitude
Sarojini Naidu always expressed gratitude for each and everything. No matter how small the occasion was, she was grateful to have experienced life as a whole. No matter how hard life gets, we must be grateful it isn’t worse. We have ample blessings bestowed every day which we often take for granted. Having an attitude of gratitude not only keeps our minds positive but also shifts our perspective during hardships. Despite having faced life-fighting for justice, Sarojini Naidu was happy to have been given such an honourable opportunity.
“If all Indian politicians are like Mrs Naidu, then the country is fortunate indeed.”
English writer and philosopher Aldous Huxley on Sarojini Naidu.
9. Do People a Good Turn
Another beautiful lesson by Sarojini Naidu, Nightingale of India was to help others and be courteous. It is rare to come across people who care for the common ones when they attain power. Naidu was not just bold and strong, but also generous with people. These qualities were recognized by the citizens of India which gained her the respect and love of the people. Whenever we get a chance, we must use whatever way possible, to help others. No good will ever go wasted. There are ways of receiving it back in unimaginable ways at unexpected moments.
10. Loyalty
Sarojini Naidu, Nightingale of India was a true-blue which made people trust her undoubtedly. Every time her faithfulness was tested towards the nation and her people, she didn’t pull back or give up. She fought for the underprivileged and helped women prosper after promising them emancipation. Being hypocritical can ruin great nations and create mistrust among people. We must stay true to our companions and what we believe in.
“Here was a person of great brilliance – vital and vivid. She infused artistry and poetry into our national struggle…she represented in herself a rich culture into which flowed various currents which have made Indian culture as great as it is.”
Jawaharlal Nehru in his homage to Sarojini Naidu.
Also Read: National Women’s Day: Celebrating the Legacy of Sarojini Naidu
Now that we are quite familiar with 10 inspirational things to learn from Sarojini Naidu, let’s have a quick glance at her life to know her better!
Sarojini Naidu President of INC
Sarojini Naida joined the Indian National Congress after the Bengal partition in the year 1905. Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and many other leaders were the inspiration behind the Sarojini Naidu joining India’s freedom movements. Sarojini Naidu was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress Party and became the first woman to become the president of INC in 1925.
“In the battle for liberty, fear is one unforgivable treachery and despair, the one unforgivable sin”
Sarojni Naidu
Also Read: Sarojini Naidu Biography in Hindi
Writing Style
Every writer has a unique writing style. Some use heavy words while some use simple and easy words. Some write only fiction while some are interested in non-fiction. Naidu’s poems and writings were more on everyday life and the world. Readers can picture everything just by reading the sentence written by Sarojini Naidu that’s the power of her writing. Sarojini Naidu’s writing style is more subtle, traditionally combined with patriotism.
Also Read: Jane Austen, the Writer of the Gentlefolk!
Awards & Achievements
Sarojini Naidu was a famous poet, feminist, activist, and who still inspires millions of women around the world. Sarojini Naidu’s birthday is celebrated as National Women’s Day to recognize all the women in India. On the Life of Sarojini Naidu, a documentary was created by Bhagwan Das Garga and produced by the Government of India’s Films Division. She also received an award from the British government for work in the plague epidemic in India. The award was Kaisar-i-Hind Medal which she returned after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Also Read: Kiran Bedi, A Fearless Women of Many Firsts
Legacy of Sarojini Naidu
“One among India’s feminist luminaries,” as Naidu is called in India, Women’s Day is observed on February 13th on the occasion of her birthday, to honour the tremendous voices of women throughout India’s history. Naidu was renowned as the “Nightingale of India” as a poet. In 1919, Edmund Gosse dubbed her “India’s most accomplished living poet.” The Golden Threshold, an off-campus annexe of the University of Hyderabad named after Naidu’s first volume of poetry, is dedicated to her. The University of Hyderabad’s Sarojini Naidu School of Arts and Communication is now housed at Golden Threshold. Eleanor Helin found asteroid 5647 Sarojini Naidu at Palomar Observatory in 1990, and it was named after her. Eleanor Helin discovered asteroid 5647 Sarojini Naidu at Palomar Observatory in 1990, and it was named in her honour. On August 27, 2019, the Minor Planet Center published the official naming citation. In 2014, Google India created a Google Doodle to honour Naidu’s 135th birthday.
Top 10 Sarojini Naidu Quotes for Your Daily Dose of Inspiration
We want deeper sincerity of motive, greater courage in speech, and earnestness in action.
When there is oppression, the only self-respecting thing is to rise and say this shall cease today, because my right is justice. If you are stronger, you have to help the weaker boy or girl both in play and in the work.
Sense of justice is one of the most wonderful ideals of Islam because as I read in the Quran I find those dynamic principles of life, not mystic but practical ethics for the daily conduct of life suited to the whole world.
A country’s greatness lies in its undying ideals of love and sacrifice that inspire the mothers of the race.
My heart is very weary and sad and alone, For its dreams like the fluttering leaves have gone, And why should I say behind.
A sense of justice is one of the ideals of Islam because as I read the Quran I find those dynamic principles of life not mystic but practical ethics for the daily conduct of life suited to the whole world.
The new has come and now the old retires. And so the past becomes a mountain cell. Where lone apart old hermit memories dwell.
In a consecrated calm, forgotten yet. Of the keen heart that hastens to forget old longings in fulfilling new desires.
I am not ready to die because it requires infinitely greater courage to live.
Hark to a voice that is calling, to my heart in the voice of the mind.
Best Poems by Sarojini Naidu
Some of the best poems by Sarojini Naidu are –
Autumn Song
Like a joy on the heart of a sorrow,
The sunset hangs on a cloud;
A golden storm of glittering sheaves,
Of fair and frail and fluttering leaves,
The wild wind blows in a cloud.
Hark to a voice that is calling
To my heart in the voice of the wind:
My heart is weary and sad and alone,
For its dreams like the fluttering leaves have gone,
And why should I stay behind?
-Sarojini Naidu
An Indian Love Song
He
Lift up the veils that darken the delicate moon
of thy glory and grace,
Withhold not, O love, from the night
of my longing the joy of thy luminous face,
Give me a spear of the scented keora
guarding thy pinioned curls,
Or a silken thread from the fringes
that trouble the dream of thy glimmering pearls;
Faint grows my soul with thy tresses’ perfume
and the song of thy anklets’ caprice,
Revive me, I pray, with the magical nectar
that dwells in the flower of thy kiss.
She
How shall I yield to the voice of thy pleading,
how shall I grant thy prayer,
Or give thee a rose-red silken tassel,
a scented leaf from my hair?
Or fling in the flame of thy heart’s desire the veils that cover my face,
Profane the law of my father’s creed for a foe
of my father’s race?
Thy kinsmen have broken our sacred altars and slaughtered our sacred kine,
The feud of old faiths and the blood of old battles sever thy people and mine.
He
What are the sins of my race, Beloved,
what are my people to thee?
And what are thy shrines, and kine and kindred,
what are thy gods to me?
Love recks not of feuds and bitter follies,
of stranger, comrade or kin,
Alike in his ear sound the temple bells
and the cry of the muezzin.
For Love shall cancel the ancient wrong
and conquer the ancient rage,
Redeem with his tears the memoried sorrow
that sullied a bygone age.
-Sarojini Naidu
Sarojini Naidu Books
Fascinated by the life of Sarojini Naidu, Nightingale of India and want to explore more about her achievements? There are several books written on her by famous authors. Here is the list of the few most popular Sarojini Naidu books:
| Essential Reader: Sarojini Naidu | Buy Here |
| The Broken Wing – Songs of Love, Death & Destiny – 1915-1916 | Buy Here |
| The Bird of Time; Songs of Life, Death & the Spring | Buy Here |
| Sarojini Naidu – The Golden Threshold: ”Your name within a nation’s prayer, Your music on a Nation’s tongue” | Buy Here |
| The Golden Threshold – With a Chapter from ‘Studies of Contemporary Poets’ by Mary C. Sturgeon | Buy Here |
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Sarojini Naidu’s Speech
Essay on Sarojini Naidu
Sarojini Naidu, Nightingale of India was born in Hyderabad, India, on February 13, 1879, to a Bengali family. She began writing poems at a young age. She went on to study at both King’s College and Girton, Cambridge, for her higher education. During her childhood days, not many Indian families supported their daughters participating in the protest for independence. But, Sarojini Naidu’s family had always held progressive beliefs. As a result, she grew up believing in the power of protest in the pursuit of justice. Sarojini Naidu, also known as The Nightingale of India, was given this title for her remarkable contributions in the field of poetry. Her poems, which were rich in imagery, dealt with a variety of subjects, including love, death, and separation, among others.
Her poems were acclaimed by politicians, statesmen, and poets from all around the world. One of her most well-known poems is “In the Bazaars of Hyderabad.” Sarojini Naidu continues to be an inspiration to all women. Sarojini Naidu will be remembered as one of the most important figures in India’s liberation and women’s rights movements.
Check out more Sarojini Naidu Essay Samples
FAQs
Sarojini Naidu was born on 13 February 1879 in Hyderabad, India and she died on 2 March 1949 in Lucknow, India. She was a multi-talented fearless women who is popular for her political contributions as an activist, feminist, poet, and she also became the first Indian women to be elected as the President of Indian National Congress. Sarojini Naidu was also appointed as an Indian State Givernor.
Yes, Sarojini Naidu became the first women president of the Indian National Congress in 1925. This happened because in 1920, she focused on the nationallist movement and act strongly as a fearless political activist and stood for the women’s rights and political independence.
The birth anniversary of Saroini Naidu is celebrated as the National Women’s Day on 13 February. This year India will celebrate 145th birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu (the fearless Indian political activist).
Relevant Blogs
These were 10 crucial lessons taught by Sarojini Naidu, Nightingale of India during her fearless life journey. She made exceptional contributions during the history of the freedom movement which was replete with the saga of courage and sacrifice of great people like her. She was truly a source of hope and inspiration for many Indians. This was all about the biography of Sarojini Naidu. If you want to know more about other Famous Personalities then visit our General Knowledge page!
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