Mrs. Sarojini Naidu made history as the first woman Governor of an Indian state in independent India, serving as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh. Known as the “Nightingale of India” for her poetic contributions and as a prominent freedom fighter, her appointment as a Governor marked another significant achievement in her extraordinary life.

Sarojini Chattopadhyay (Naidu) , February 13, 1879 , Hyderabad, India

• Family Background: Sarojini Naidu was born into a well-educated and progressive family. Her father, Dr. Aghornath Chattopadhyay, was a philosopher and a scientist, and her mother, Barada Sundari Devi, was a poetess.

Sarojini was an exceptional student from an early age and excelled in her studies, especially in the fields of science and literature. She completed her schooling at Hyderabad’s Nizam’s College and later studied in England at King’s College London and the Girton College at Cambridge University.

• Active in Indian Independence Movement: Sarojini Naidu was deeply influenced by the freedom movement and joined the Indian National Congress in the early 1900s. She was a strong proponent of Indian independence and worked alongside leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose.
• Imprisonment and Struggle: Naidu was imprisoned several times during the British rule for her role in the freedom movement, notably during the Salt March and the Quit India Movement.
• Gandhi’s Influence: Sarojini Naidu was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and was deeply influenced by his philosophy of non-violence and self-reliance. She was actively involved in organizing women’s participation in the freedom struggle.
• Sarojini Naidu was a celebrated poet, and her works earned her the epithet “Nightingale of India” for their lyrical quality. She wrote in both English and Bengali, and her poetry often dealt with themes of Indian culture, nature, and patriotism. Some of her famous works include:

Her poetic style was deeply influenced by the rich traditions of Indian folk music and the political context of the time.

• Historic Appointment: After India gained independence in 1947, Sarojini Naidu’s political journey continued as she was appointed as the first woman Governor of Uttar Pradesh in 1947. This was a historic achievement, as it marked the first time in Indian history that a woman had held the prestigious post of Governor of a state.
• Leadership as Governor: As the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Sarojini Naidu was known for her warmth, vision, and commitment to women’s rights, education, and social reforms. She worked towards creating a more inclusive society, promoting education for women, and improving the welfare of marginalized communities.
• Pioneering Role in Women’s Empowerment: Her role as Governor symbolized the progress India had made post-independence, showcasing the increasing involvement of women in high political offices.

• Sarojini Naidu was also a passionate advocate for women’s rights and worked to uplift the status of women in India. She was an early proponent of female education and social reforms.
• As a part of her involvement in women’s empowerment, she was instrumental in organizing the All India Women’s Conference and was actively involved in promoting women’s participation in the public sphere.
• She played a crucial role in establishing the Women’s Indian Association (WIA), which was a major platform for women’s political rights in India.
• Sarojini Naidu passed away on March 2, 1949, just two years after her appointment as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh. Her untimely death at the age of 70 was a great loss to the nation, but her legacy as a freedom fighter, poet, and pioneer for women’s rights continues to inspire generations.

• Political Pioneer: Sarojini Naidu’s appointment as the first woman Governor was a milestone in Indian politics and women’s representation in government. It reflected the increased participation of women in public offices after independence.
• Inspiration for Women: She remains an iconic figure for women empowerment in India. Her role as a leader, activist, and intellectual set the stage for future generations of women to follow in her footsteps and break barriers in the field of politics, education, and social activism.
• Contributions to Indian Culture: As a poet, her works are celebrated for their beauty, cultural significance, and their reflection of the Indian ethos. She remains one of India’s most revered poets and a key figure in Indian literature.

Sarojini Naidu was not just the first woman Governor of an Indian state, but also one of the most significant figures in India’s freedom movement and literary tradition. Her contributions to the Indian independence struggle, poetry, and women’s rights have made her an enduring figure in India’s history. Sarojini Naidu’s legacy continues to inspire women to aim for leadership positions, contribute to societal change, and pursue their dreams.