National Women’s Day 2025: Every year on February 13, India observes National Women’s Day to honor the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, a distinguished poet, freedom fighter, and advocate for women’s rights. Known as the “Nightingale of India,” Naidu’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
National Women’s Day 2025
National Women’s Day on February 13 stands as a testament to Sarojini Naidu’s enduring legacy. Her multifaceted contributions as a poet, freedom fighter, and advocate for women’s rights continue to inspire generations. As we commemorate this day, let us reflect on her achievements and strive towards a society that upholds the values she championed.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | National Women’s Day |
| Date | February 13 |
| Honoree | Sarojini Naidu |
| Born | February 13, 1879, in Hyderabad, India |
| Notable Roles | Poet, Freedom Fighter, First Female Governor of Uttar Pradesh |
| Legacy | Advocate for women’s rights and education; prominent figure in India’s independence movement |
For more information, visit the Government of India’s official website.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1879 in Hyderabad, Sarojini Naidu was the daughter of Aghorenath Chattopadhyay, a scientist, and Varada Sundari Devi, a poetess. Her parents’ diverse backgrounds fostered in her a love for literature and science. Displaying prodigious talent, Naidu wrote “The Lady of the Lake,” a 1,300-line poem, at a young age. Her literary prowess earned her a scholarship to study in England, where she attended King’s College London and Girton College, Cambridge.
Literary Contributions
Sarojini Naidu’s poetry is celebrated for its rich imagery and lyrical quality. Her notable works include:
- The Golden Threshold (1905): This collection introduced readers to her evocative style, blending Indian themes with English verse.
- The Bird of Time: Songs of Life, Death & the Spring (1912): This anthology delves into themes of love, nature, and patriotism.
- The Broken Wing: Songs of Love, Death and the Spring (1917): Reflecting her philosophical musings, this collection resonates with depth and emotion.
Her poetic contributions led Mahatma Gandhi to bestow upon her the title “Nightingale of India.”
Political Activism and Advocacy
Beyond her literary achievements, Naidu was a formidable political figure:
- Freedom Fighter: She joined the Indian National Congress and was a key participant in the freedom movement, advocating for India’s independence from British rule.
- Women’s Rights Advocate: Naidu championed women’s education and political participation, striving for gender equality in a patriarchal society.
- Historic Leadership: In 1925, she became the first Indian woman to preside over the Indian National Congress. Following independence, she was appointed as the first female Governor of Uttar Pradesh, making her the first woman to hold the position of governor in independent India.
Significance of National Women’s Day
National Women’s Day serves multiple purposes:
- Honoring Legacy: It commemorates Sarojini Naidu’s immense contributions to India’s freedom struggle and her efforts toward women’s empowerment.
- Promoting Empowerment: The day emphasizes the importance of women’s education, employment, and equal rights, encouraging society to continue striving for gender equality.
Celebrating Sarojini Naidu’s Legacy
To pay tribute to Naidu’s enduring legacy, here are some inspiring quotes attributed to her:
- “We want deeper sincerity of motive, a greater courage in speech, and earnestness in action.”
- “A country’s greatness lies in its undying ideals of love and sacrifice that inspire the mothers of the race.”
- “When there is oppression, the only self-respecting thing is to rise and say this shall cease today, because my right is justice.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why is National Women’s Day celebrated on February 13?
National Women’s Day is observed on February 13 to honor the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, recognizing her contributions to India’s independence and her advocacy for women’s rights.
Q2: What are some of Sarojini Naidu’s notable works?
Some of her prominent poetry collections include “The Golden Threshold,” “The Bird of Time,” and “The Broken Wing.”
Q3: How did Sarojini Naidu contribute to India’s freedom movement?
Naidu was an active member of the Indian National Congress, participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement, and worked closely with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi to advocate for India’s independence.
Q4: What is Sarojini Naidu’s legacy in terms of women’s empowerment?
She championed women’s rights, emphasizing the importance of education and political participation, and broke barriers by becoming the first female governor in independent India.
