Sarojini Naidu: The Nightingale of India
Sarojini Naidu, born on February 13th, 1879, in Hyderabad, was a luminary in India’s struggle for independence. Affiliated with the Indian National Congress, she left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. A prominent figure known as the Nightingale of India, she was the first woman president of the Indian National Congress, contributing significantly to the freedom movement.
Basic details and biography of Sarojini Naidu:
| Sarojini Naidu | 1879 – 1949 |
|---|---|
| Party: | Indian National Congress |
| Constituency: | Bihar |
| Mother Tongue: | Bangla |
| Education: | Postgraduate |
KEY CONTRIBUTIONS
The first woman president of the Indian National Congress.
Notable leader in the Non-cooperation, Home Rule, and Salt Satyagraha movements.
Advocate for women’s suffrage and rights, co-founding the Women’s India Association.
Appointed to the Constituent Assembly from Bihar, contributing to discussions on the adoption of the national flag.
Served as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh post-independence.
KEY WRITINGS
– Poetic works include ‘Songs,’ ‘The Golden Threshold,’ ‘Bird of Time,’ ‘The Broken Wing,’ and ‘The Feather of the Dawn.’
– Authored ‘Mahatma Gandhi: His Life, Writings and Speeches’ and ‘Words of Freedom: Ideas of a Nation.’
KEY SPEECHES
– Emphasized the need for a distinct Indian flag during discussions in the Constituent Assembly.
Sarojini Naidu: The Nightingale of India
Sarojini Naidu, born on February 13th, 1879, in Hyderabad, was a luminary in India’s struggle for independence. Affiliated with the Indian National Congress, she left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. A prominent figure known as the Nightingale of India, she was the first woman president of the Indian National Congress, contributing significantly to the freedom movement.
Early Life and Education
Sarojini Naidu’s upbringing was marked by a commitment to social reform and education. Her father, Aghorenath Chattopadhyaya, advocated for these ideals as the Principal of Nizam College. Educated at home, she demonstrated exceptional prowess, passing the Madras University matriculation exam at the age of twelve. Subsequently, she secured a scholarship to study at King’s College, London, and later at Girton College, Cambridge.
Role in India’s Independence Movement
Upon returning to India, Sarojini Naidu immersed herself in the freedom movement. Her association with prominent figures such as Gokhale, Tagore, Annie Besant, Gandhi, and Nehru solidified her role in the struggle. Notably, she presided over the Indian National Congress in 1925, becoming the first Indian woman to do so. Her involvement extended to key movements like Non-cooperation, Home Rule, and Salt Satyagraha, leading to her arrest on five occasions.
A fervent suffragette and women’s rights advocate, Naidu championed reforms for widows at the Indian National Social Conference in 1908. In 1917, she headed the All-India Women’s Deputation, advocating for women’s suffrage before E. S. Montagu. Alongside Annie Besant, she co-founded the Women’s India Association, contributing significantly to women’s empowerment.
Contribution to Constitution Making
Sarojini Naidu’s commitment to nation-building extended to her appointment to the Constituent Assembly from Bihar. Her noteworthy intervention centered around the adoption of a national flag, emphasizing the need for a symbol that represented India on international forums.
Later Contributions
Post-independence, Sarojini Naidu assumed the role of the Governor of Uttar Pradesh from August 15th, 1947, until her passing on March 2nd, 1949.
Key Writings
A prolific writer, Sarojini Naidu penned poems such as ‘Songs,’ ‘The Golden Threshold,’ ‘Bird of Time,’ ‘The Broken Wing,’ and ‘The Feather of the Dawn.’ Additionally, she authored works like ‘Mahatma Gandhi: His Life, Writings and Speeches’ and ‘Words of Freedom: Ideas of a Nation.’
Key Speeches
During discussions on the adoption of the national flag in the Constituent Assembly, Sarojini Naidu eloquently narrated instances where she represented India internationally, underscoring the need for a distinct Indian flag.
Sarojini Naidu’s life and contributions stand as a testament to her unwavering commitment to India’s freedom and its subsequent development. The Nightingale of India’s legacy echoes through her words, actions, and tireless dedication to the nation’s progress.
Seeking an Inclusive Constituent Assembly[1]
The Chairman (Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha): I shall now request Bulbul- i-Hind, the Nightingale of India, to address the House (laughter and cheers) not in prose but in poetry.
(Shrimati Sarojini Naidu then went up to the rostrum amidst acclamation.)
Shrimati Sarojini Naidu (Bihar: General): Mr. Chairman, the manner of your calling me is not constitutional (laughter).
The Chairman (Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha): Order, order. No reflection on the Chair please (continued laughter).
Shrimati Sarojini Naidu: It reminds me of some lines of the Kashmiri poet who said:-
“Bulbul ko gul mubarak, gul ko chaman mubarak, Rangeen tabiaton ko range sukhan mubarak”
and today we are steeped in the rainbow coloured tints of speeches in praise of my great leader and comrade Rajendra Prasad (cheers). I do not know how even poetic fancy can add yet another tint to the rainbow. So I will be modest, emulating the example of Rajendra Babu himself and confine myself, as a woman should, to purely domestic issues (laughter). We have all been taken in the chariot of oratory by our great philosopher Sir Radhakrishnan who seems to have evaporated from the scene (laughter).
Sir S. Radhakrishnan: No, no. I am here (renewed laughter).
Shrimati Sarojini Naidu: He has poured very eloquent wisdom on us. And also all the other speakers representing different provinces, sects, religions, communities and the gentleman who is asking all of us to quit India after the British, tracing his claim to the original people of this land, have all spoken in their turn, and one thing they have all been unanimous is the question of Rajendra Prasad himself. Some time ago I was asked to compress an epic into an epigram about Rajendra Prasad. I was asked to say a line about Rajendra Prasad, and I said that I could only do so if I had a pen of gold dipped in a pot of honey because all the ink in the world would not suffice to explain his qualities or adequately to pay tribute to his qualities. Very rightly one speaker reminded us, though I agree with one part of it, that both the temporary Chairman and the permanent Chairman were born in Bihar and that both have assimilated some of the qualities of the great Buddha who was born in Bihar. I say that I agree on one point, not on the other. The point which I wish to agree with is that Rajendra Prasad has certainly descended spiritually from the great Buddha, the embodiment of compassion, understanding, sacrifice and love. For many years, I have been privileged to be associated with him. He is my leader, he is my comrade, he is my brother, but much younger brother. That I knew on his birthday, I found that he is over five whole years younger than I am and therefore, I am in a position to give him my blessings as well as my tribute of praise. In this House where everyone has said with conviction that he would be the guardian and the father of the House. I conceive him not as one with the flaming sword but an angel with the lily which wins victories over the hearts of men, because in him there is essential sweetness, that is part of his strength, there is essential wisdom, that is part of his experience, there is essential clarity of vision, creative imagination and creative faith that brings him very near the feet of Lord Buddha himself. I see gaps in this House and my heart is sore because of the absence of those Muslim brothers to whose coming I am looking forward under the leadership of my old friend Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah. I think if any persuasion were necessary, if any fine wand of magic were necessary to bring them in, it would be the essential sweetness, the essential wisdom, the essential creative faith of Dr. Rajendra Prasad. I am hoping and I believe I am right in hoping that my friend Dr. Ambedkar who is so bitter today will soon be one of the most emphatic supporters of this Constituent Assembly in all its purposes and that through him his adherents of many millions will realise that their interests are as safe as the interests of more privileged people. I hope those that call themselves the original masters of this land, the tribal people will realise that there is no distinction of caste, creed, ancient or modern, status in this Constituent Assembly. I hope the smallest minority in this country will, whether represented politically, or I do not know by what other means they may be represented — I hope they will realise that they have a zealous, vigilant and loving guardian of their interests who will not permit the more privileged to encroach by a hair’s breadth on their birth-right of equity and equal opportunity in this country. I hope also that the Princes of India, many of whom I count among my personal friends, who are so hurried, so anxious, so uncertain or so afraid today, will realise that the Constitution for India is a constitution for the freedom and emancipation of every human being in India, whether Prince or peasant. I want that realisation to be carried home, and in no better manner, in no more convincing manner can it be carried than through the guidance and guardianship of Dr. Rajendra Prasad. I have been asked to speak-for how long? But I believe that I must disprove the age old proverb that woman has not only the last but the longest word. I have the last word not because I am a woman but because I am acting today as the hostess of the Indian National Congress which has so gladly invited those who are outside its fold to come and participate with us in framing the Constitution, that is to be the immortal charter of India’s freedom.
Friends, I do not praise or commend Rajendra Prasad. I affirm that he is the symbol of India’s destiny today. He will help us in framing that charter that restores to our Mother-our Mother still in fetters, her rightful place as torchbearer of liberty, love, and peace.
Standing in the immemorial house with its roof of snow and walls of sea, once again in the history of humanity she will rekindle her lamp of wisdom and inspiration to illuminate the world on its onward march to freedom. So, will she be justified of her children and the children be justified of her.
Resolution Regarding National Flag[2]
Shrimati Sarojini Naidu (Bihar: General): Mr. President, the House knows that I had refused over and over again this morning to speak. I thought that the speech of Jawaharlal Nehru — so epic in its quality of beauty, dignity and appropriateness — was sufficient to express the aspirations, emotions and the ideals of this House. But I was happy when I saw the representatives of the various communities that constitute this House rise up and pledge their allegiance to this Flag. I was especially reminded by the people that sit behind me from the Province of Bihar that it was at the risk of my life and seat in their province, should I forget to mention that this Flag, so willingly and proudly accepted today by the House has for its symbol the Dharma Chakra of Asoka, whom they claim (I do not know with what historical veracity) to be a Bihari! But if I am speaking here today, it is not on behalf of any community, or any creed or any sex, though women members of this House are very insistent that a woman should speak. I think that the time has come in the onward march of the world-civilisation when there should be no longer any sex consciousness or sex separation in the service of the country. I therefore speak on behalf of that ancient reborn Mother with her undivided heart and indivisible spirit, whose love is equal for all her children, no matter what corner they come from in what temples or mosques they worship, what language they speak or what culture they profess.
Many many times in the course of my long life, in my travels abroad for I am vagabond by nature and by destiny—I have suffered the most terrible moments of anguish in free countries, because India possessed no flag. A few of those moment I would like to recall.
On the day when peace was signed at Versailles after the last war. I happened to be in Paris. There was great rejoicing everywhere and flags of all nations decorated the Opera House. There came on the platform a famous actress with a beautiful voice, for whom the proceedings were interrupted while she wrapped round herself the flag of France. The entire audience rose as one man and sang with her the National Anthem of France — the Marseillaise. An Indian near me with tears in his eyes turned to me and said, “When shall we have our own Flag?” “The time will soon come,” I answered, “When we shall have our own Flag and our own Anthem.”
I was asked to speak at a peace celebration in New York soon after the peace had been signed. Forty-four Nations and their Flags fluttering in the great hall in which the Assembly met. I looked at the Flags of all the Nations and when I spoke I cried that though I did not see in that great Assembly of Free Nations the Flag of Free India, it would become the most historic Flag of the world in the not distant future.
It was also a moment of anguish for me when a few months later forty- two Nations sent their women to an International Conference in Berlin. There they were planning to have, one morning, a Flag parade of the Nations. India had no official flag. But at my suggestion some of the women Indian delegates tore strips from their saris sitting up till the small hours of the morning to make the Tricolour Flag, so that our country should not be humiliated for the lack of a National Banner.
But the worst anguish of all was only a few months ago, when on the inspiration of Jawaharlal Nehru the Nations of Asia met in Delhi and affirmed the unity of Asia. On the wall behind the platform there was the flag of every nation of Asia. Iran was there, China was there, Afghanistan was there, as also Siam. Big countries and little countries were all represented but we had exercised a self-denying ordinance, so that we might scrupulously keep or pledge that no party politics would be permitted at the conference. Can you not understand and share with me the anguish of that decision which excluded the Tricolour the Congress Flag from the Asian Conference? But here today we retrieve that sorrow and that shame: we attain our own Flag, the Flag of Free India. Today we justify, we vindicate and we salute this Flag under which so many hundreds and thousands of us have fought and suffered. Men and women, old and young, princes and peasants, Hindus and Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Christians, Zoroastrians, all of them have fought under this Flag. When my friend Khaliquazzaman was speaking, I saw before me the great patriots, my friends and comrades of the Muslim community who had suffered under this Flag. I thought of Mahomed Ali, of Shaukat Ali, of Ansari and of Ajmal Khan. I could mention the smallest community in India, the Parsi community, the community of that grand old man Dadabhai Naoroji, whose granddaughters too fought side by side with the others, suffered imprisonment and made sacrifices for the freedom of India. I was asked by a man who was blind with prejudice: ‘How can you speak of this flag as the flag of India? India is divided.’ I told him that this is merely a temporary geographical separation. There is no spirit of separation in the heart of India. (Hear, hear). Today I ask one and all to honour this Flag. That wheel, what does it represent? It represents the Dharma Chakra of Asoka the Magnificent who sent his message of peace and brotherhood all over the world. Did he not anticipate the modern ideal of fellowship and brotherhood and cooperation? Does not that wheel stand as a symbol for every national interest and national activity? Does it not represent the Chakra of my illustrations and beloved leader, Mahatma Gandhi and the wheel of time that marches and marches and marches without hesitation and without halt? Does it not represent the rays of the Sun? Does it not represent eternity? Does it not represent the human mind? Who shall live under that Flag without thinking of the common India? Who shall limit its functions? Who shall limit its inheritance? To whom does it belong? It belongs to India. It belongs to an India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru told us, that India that has never been exclusive. I wish he had added ‘India welcomes all knowledge from friend and foe alike. Did she not? Have not all the cultures of the world contributed to the ocean of her culture? Has Islam not brought to India the ideals of democratic brotherhood, the Zoroastrian his steadfast courage, who fled from lran with a blazing log from their fire temple, whose flame has not perished these thousand years? Have not the Christians brought to us the lesson of service to the humblest of the land? Has not the immemorial Hindu creed taught us universal love of mankind and has it not taught us that we shall not judge merely by our own narrow standard but that we should judge by the universal standard of humanity?
Many of my friends have spoken of this Flag with the poetry of their own hearts. I as a poet and as a woman, I am speaking prose to you when I say that we women stand for the unity of India. Remember this Flag there is no prince and there is no peasant, there is no rich and there is no poor. There is no privilege there is only duty and resibility and sacrifice. Whether we be Hindus or Muslims, Christians, Sikhs or Zoroastrians and others, our Mother India has one undivided heart and one indivisible spirit. Men and women of reborn India rise and salute this Flag I bid you, rise and salute the Flag (loud cheers).
[1] Congratulations to the permanent Chairman Dr. Rajendra Prasad, C.A.D., Vol. I, L.S.S., 11 December 1946, pp. 47-48.
[2] Discussion regarding resolution on National Flag, C.A.D., Vol. IV, L.S.S., 22 July 1947, pp. 760-761.
