Sarojini Naidu (née Chattopadhyay; 13 February 1879 – 2 March 1949) was an Indian political activist and poet. She was the first Indian woman to be appointed Governor of an Indian state, and she was also the first woman to be elected to the Indian Parliament. Naidu was a strong advocate for women's rights and social justice, and she is considered to be one of the most important figures in Indian history.
Sarojini Naidu Indian independence activist, poet, and politician
Naidu was born in Hyderabad, India, to a Bengali Brahmin family. Her father, Aghorenath Chattopadhyay, was a professor of English literature at the Nizam's College in Hyderabad. Her mother, Varada Sundari Devi, was a homemaker and poet.
Naidu was a gifted child and showed an early aptitude for poetry. She was educated in Madras, London, and Cambridge. In 1895, she married Govindarajulu Naidu, a physician. The couple had six children.
Naidu began her political career in the early 1900s. She was a member of the Indian National Congress (INC), and she was a strong supporter of Mahatma Gandhi's nonviolent resistance movement. She was arrested several times for her political activities, and she spent time in prison.
In 1925, Naidu became the first woman to be president of the INC. She was also the first woman to be elected to the Indian Parliament. As a parliamentarian, she worked on issues such as education, women's rights, and social justice.
In 1937, Naidu was appointed Governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh). She was the first woman to be appointed Governor of an Indian state. As Governor, she worked to improve the lives of women and minorities. She also worked to promote education and economic development.
Naidu died in Lucknow, India, in 1949. She was 70 years old. She was a towering figure in Indian history, and she is remembered for her contributions to Indian independence, women's rights, and social justice.
Naidu was a prolific poet, and her poems are known for their beauty, imagery, and lyrical quality. She was known as the "Nightingale of India" for her beautiful voice and her poetic skill. Her poems often deal with themes of love, nature, and patriotism.
Some of Naidu's most famous poems include "The Golden Threshold", "The Bird of Time", and "The Sceptred Flute". Her poems have been translated into many languages, and they are still read and enjoyed by people all over the world.
Naidu's legacy is one of courage, determination, and service to others. She was a pioneer for women's rights, and she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the poor and the oppressed. She is an inspiration to people all over the world, and her work continues to make a difference in the lives of millions of people.