February 13 marks the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, a key figure in India’s fight for independence. A celebrated poet and activist, she played an active role in national movements against British rule. Naidu also made history as the first woman governor of an Indian state. Let's read about her remarkable life and contributions.

Born on February 13, 1879, Sarojini Naidu became deeply involved in the national movement during her education and played an active role in its progress. Renowned leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru admired her leadership qualities and held her in high esteem. She was a passionate advocate for women's education and worked tirelessly to secure their rightful place in society. Sarojini Naidu married Dr Govindarajulu Naidu in 1898 at the age of 19.

The partition of Bengal in 1905 sparked Sarojini Naidu’s active involvement in politics and the national movement. Her first meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in London in 1914 had a profound impact on her. She became an ardent supporter of Gandhi's cause in South Africa and regarded Gopal Krishna Gokhale as her political mentor. Renowned for her sharp wit, she was affectionately called the court jester in Gandhi’s circle. Between 1915 and 1918, she travelled across India alongside Annie Besant to inspire nationalistic fervour among the youth.

Sarojini Naidu played an active role in various movements alongside Mahatma Gandhi, including the Quit India Movement, for which she was imprisoned. In 1925, she made history as the first Indian woman to preside over the Indian National Congress during its Kanpur session. During the 1928 plague epidemic, she selflessly dedicated herself to serving the sick, an effort that earned her the Kaisar-i-Hind medal from the British government.

After India gained independence, she became the first woman to serve as a state governor, taking on the role of Governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) from August 15, 1947, until her death on March 2, 1949.

Sarojini Naidu was a prolific poet who wrote in English and Bengali. Her father, Aghornath Chattopadhyay, was a distinguished scientist and academic. By the age of 14, she had read the works of numerous English poets. In 1895, the Nizam of Hyderabad awarded her a scholarship to study in England. Fluent in English, Bengali, Urdu, Telugu, and Persian, she composed the 1300-line poem The Lady of the Lake at just 13 years old. She also wrote a Persian play titled Mehr Munir. Among her published works are The Bird of Time, The Broken Wing, Nilambuj, and Traveller's Song. She passed away from a heart attack at the age of 70.