LA CHATELAINE JUNIOR COLLEGE, CHENNAI – 87

ASSEMBLY TOPIC: KNOW YOUR FREEDOM FIGHTERS- SAROJINI NAIDU

DATE: 04.08.2021 DAY: WEDNESDAY

A Scintillating Morning to all my dear students,

The history of Indian freedom struggle would be incomplete without mentioning the participation
of women in the freedom struggle. Sarojini Naidu was one of such women, who fought for
freedom by mitigating all odds.

“A country’s greatness lies in its undying ideals of love and sacrifice that inspire the mothers of
the race.”

-Sarojini Naidu

Sarojini Naidu was a Poetess with a Patriotic heart. Her collection of poems is worthy of literary
praise. Her accomplishments as a poet earned her the moniker ‘The Nightingale of India’.

She was born on February 13, 1879 in Hyderabad. Her father, Dr. Aghornath Chattopadhyay, was a
scientist. He also founded Nizam College of Hyderabad. Her mother, Barada Sundari Devi, was a
Bengali poetess. Sarojini Naidu had a knack for poetry since she was 12. The Nawab of Hyderabad
was impressed by her first-ever written play ‘Maher Muneer’. This play earned her a scholarship
to study overseas. At that time, it was rare to educate a girl and perhaps more rare to send her
abroad. In 1905 she published her first work, a collection of poems, entitled "Golden Threshold".

She was distressed to see her Mother India under the power of the British Administration
and decided to use her talent to fight for freedom. She was eventually drawn towards Indian
National Congress' movement to liberate India from the British. She was a follower of Mahatma
Gandhi and his idea of Swaraj. She was later appointed as the president of the Indian National
Congress in 1925. After India gained independence in 1947, she was appointed as the governor of
the United Provinces, which is now known as Uttar Pradesh. With her appointment, she became
India's first woman governor. She was an ardent follower of nationalism and equality and was
responsible for awakening the women of India. She actively fought to establish women’s rights and
founded the Women’s Indian Association in 1917.

The birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu is celebrated as National Women's Day in India. This day
recognizes the power of women in the country and their significant voices in bringing about
change and progress. She was an eminent freedom fighter, distinguished scholar, gifted orator and
a celebrated poetess. Her indomitable spirit, courage and her contribution to the uplift and
emancipation of women will be always remembered. Sarojini Naidu is not among us but her ideals
would always be an inspiration and will surely inspire us to do something memorable.

Thank you,
S. Revathy