Personality of the Day: Sarojini Naidu

There are many people who leave a legacy that lives on. Personality of the Day introduces such extraordinary personalities whose lives are a perfect combination of bravery, ability and mission. These are the people who did not simply follow a path, they made one, and formed a society with their ideas and behavior.

Their journeys are usually filled with difficulties, but what is unique about them is that they manage to convert these difficulties into growth and opportunities to bring change. They teach us that achieving success is not merely about personal win, but by contributing something back to the world.

Today we will discuss Sarojini Naidu who was an outspoken figure in the freedom movement in India and a talented poet whose poetry still echoes with grace and strength.

Early Life and Education

Sarojini Naidu was born on 13th February 1879 in Hyderabad, India. She was born in a progressive and well educated family. She was born to father Aghorenath Chattopadhyay, who was the principal of Nizam’s College in Hyderabad scientist, and a poet mother, Barada Sundari Devi. 

Her love of literature and learning developed naturally due to this environment. She was sent to school early and she proved to be a brilliant student. 

Since early childhood she demonstrated great writing skills. She later pursued studies in England in King’s College, London. 

Poetic Career

Sarojini Naidu launched her poetic career with the inspiration of Edmond Goose and Arthur Symons. In 1905 she started her poetic career when she published "The Golden Threshold". 

She continued to write poetry for 12 years. In 1912 she released the second volume of her verse, "The Bird of Time".  It was the year 1917 when her poetry career came to a halt as her attention shifted towards politics according to Digital Sansad. 

READ| Personality of the Day: J.K. Rowling

Journey in India’s Freedom Movement

Her life took a very strong twist as she joined the Indian freedom struggle. Influenced by leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, she took an active part in the struggle against British rule.

The Digital Sansad mentions: “It was Gopal Krishna Gokhale who in 1902, persuaded Sarojini Naidu to step out of the ivory tower and dedicate herself to the service of her motherland. Thus, Gokhale was her first political Guru. Later she adopted Mahatma Gandhi as her mentor. This "heroic heart" as Sarojini called him, "influenced her most".

She toured the nation, giving powerful speeches in order to encourage people to join the movement. The most powerful voice of her era was her passion and hope in her words. She was also significant in movements such as the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement. Her leadership and hard work saw her become a revered personality in Indian politics.

Accomplishments and Advancements

Sarojini Naidu became actively involved in the women's movement for emancipation. She emphasised on ‘The Education of Indian Women’ as well as addressed to the need for improvement of the conditions of the Hindu widows. Further she has also helped to open Lady Irwin College for Women in Delhi.

As India gained independence, Sarojini Naidu became the first woman Governor of Uttar Pradesh and she was appointed by Jawahar Lal Nehru. 

Sarojini Naidu: Biography

In spite of her very active political life, Sarojini Naidu retained a solid personal base. She got married to Dr. Govindarajulu Naidu.

She was famous because she had a vibrant personality, was very quick-tempered and had a big heart. People identified with her because of her talent to bond with other people, thus she was not just a ruler, but a popular personality. Her lyrical beauty and poetry got her the title of “Nightingale of India”. 

Quotes By Sarojini Naidu

Here are some quotes by Sarojini Naidu: 

• “We want deeper sincerity of motive, a greater courage in speech and earnestness in action.”

• “Life is a song - sing it. Life is a game - play it. Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a dream - realise it. Life is a sacrifice - offer it. Life is love - enjoy it.”

• “Till ye have battled with great grief and fears/And borne the conflict of dream-shattering years/Wounded with fierce desire and worn with strife/Children, ye have not lived: for this is life.”

• “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.”

• “When there is oppression, the only self-respecting thing is to rise and say this shall cease today because my right is justice.”

Sarojini Naidu demonstrated that it does not take power to be a good leader, but intent. She wrote poetry, but more than that, she woke up a nation with the power of the voice. Her life is a lesson to us that talent when coupled with courage and determination can make a real difference. 

READ| Personality of the Day: Winston Churchill

To learn more about more famous personalities and increase your General Knowledge, head over to Jagran Josh