Born Sarojini Chattopadhyay on February 13, 1879, in Hyderabad, she was the eldest daughter of Aghorenath Chattopadhyay, a scientist and educator. She studied at King’s College, London, and Girton College, Cambridge. Beyond her political career, she was a celebrated poet, known as the ‘Nightingale of India’ (Bharatiya Kokila) for her lyrical verses. Her literary works include The Golden Threshold (1905), The Bird of Time (1912), and The Broken Wing (1917).
Entry into Politics and Nationalist Role
Sarojini Naidu’s entry into the nationalist movement was catalyzed by the Partition of Bengal (1905). She joined the Indian National Congress and traveled extensively across India to lecture on social welfare, self-reliance, and women’s empowerment.
- Political Mentorship: She was deeply influenced by Gopal Krishna Gokhale and later became a trusted lieutenant of Mahatma Gandhi.
- Lucknow Pact (1916): She played a vital role in fostering Hindu-Muslim unity during the negotiation of the Lucknow Pact.
- Rowlatt Satyagraha: She was one of the first leaders to join the protest against the Rowlatt Act in 1919.
- Non-Cooperation Movement: She actively participated in the movement, focusing on the promotion of Khadi and the boycott of foreign goods.
- Dandi March (1930): Following Gandhi’s arrest at Dandi, Naidu led the raid on the Dharasana Salt Works. Her leadership during this non-violent resistance resulted in her arrest and imprisonment.
- Quit India Movement (1942): She was arrested alongside other prominent Congress leaders on August 9, 1942, and remained imprisoned for 21 months.
Leadership in the Indian National Congress
Sarojini Naidu held significant positions within the party hierarchy, breaking glass ceilings for women in Indian politics.
- Congress President (1925): She presided over the Kanpur session of the Indian National Congress, becoming the first Indian woman to hold this office.
- Women’s Indian Association (WIA): A founding member of the WIA in 1917, she advocated for universal suffrage and women’s rights in the legislative sphere.
- Representation: She was a member of the Constituent Assembly, contributing to the debates on fundamental rights and the structure of the nascent Indian state.
Post-Independence Contributions
Naidu’s transition to administrative roles post-1947 was seamless, reflecting her stature as a national leader.
- Governor of United Provinces (1947-1949): She became the first woman to serve as a Governor of a state in independent India (the United Provinces, now Uttar Pradesh).
- Global Diplomat: She represented India at various international forums, including the International Women’s Suffrage Alliance and the Round Table Conferences in London (1930-31), where she advocated for the Indian cause.
Summary of Key Achievements
| Role / Milestone | Significance |
| First Indian Woman Congress President (1925) | Presided over the Kanpur session. |
| Dharasana Salt Raid (1930) | Led the protest after Gandhi’s arrest. |
| First Woman Governor (1947) | Served as Governor of the United Provinces. |
| Constituent Assembly | Member and active contributor to drafting the Constitution. |
Trivia and Legacy
- Founding Member: She was instrumental in the establishment of the Women’s Indian Association in 1917.
- Suffrage Advocacy: In 1919, she led a delegation to the Joint Select Committee of the British Parliament to demand voting rights for women.
- Cultural Impact: Her poetry remains a permanent fixture in Indian English literature, often categorized under the Romantic tradition.
- Death: She passed away on March 2, 1949, while serving as the Governor of the United Provinces.
- Commemoration: Her birthday, February 13, is celebrated as National Women’s Day in India to honor her contributions to the status of women in public life.
- Philosophical Stance: She was an ardent believer in communal harmony and consistently advocated for the integration of women into the mainstream political process.