NATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
1.Context
Today is the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu. Born on February 13, 1879, in Hyderabad, Naidu played a huge role in shaping the history of India through her activism, poems, and lyrics. She is referred to as the Nightingale of India.
Image source: DNA
2.About Sarojini Naidu
- Sarojini Naidu played an active role in the Indian National Movement for the country's independence. She started writing poems at the young age of 12.
- She was not only a freedom fighter but also fought a lot for women's rights. She also has the distinction of being the first woman governor of India
- The Nightingale of India, Sarojini Naidu, has been immortalised in history
- A prominent political leader, she worked tirelessly to advance the cause of women’s empowerment and equality.
- In recognition of her contributions to women’s rights and the Independence movement, Naidu’s birthday is celebrated as Women’s Day in India
- On this day, events and activities are held across the country to honour Sarojini Naidu and to encourage more women to take up leadership roles and make their mark in their communities
- The world recognises Naidu for her literary accomplishments
- She has authored poetry on subjects including tragedy, romance and patriotism, She was a gifted intellectual and thinker
- Prominent Indian leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale were admirers of Sarojini Naidu’s poetry.
- In 1925, Sarojini Naidu became the first woman to hold the office of President of the Indian National Congress
- She also participated in the Salt Satyagraha. The British government imprisoned Naidu for 21 months beginning in 1942 for her involvement in the Quit India Movement
- As a passionate advocate for women’s rights, Sarojini Naidu put up a valiant fight. She was one of the leaders of the Women’s Indian Association, which was established to promote women’s rights and empowerment
3.Important Quotes of Sarojini Naidu
"Sense of justice is one of the most wonderful ideals of Islam because as I read in the Qur'an I find those dynamic principles of life, not mystic but practical ethics for the daily conduct of life suited to the whole world."
"Shall hope prevail where clamorous hate is rife, Shall sweet love prosper or high dreams have place Amid the tumult of reverberant strife 'Twixt ancient creeds, 'twixt race and ancient race, That mars the grave, glad purposes of life, Leaving no refuge save thy succouring face?"
"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 must help the weaker boy or girl both in play and work."
"I say it is not your pride that you are a Madrasi, it is not your pride that you a brahmin, it is not your pride that you belong to south India, it is not your pride that you are a Hindu, that it is your pride that you are an Indian".
"A country's greatness lies in its undying ideals of love and sacrifice that inspire the mothers of the race".
Source: News18, DNA
