The birthday of India's freedom fighter and poet Sarojini Naidu marks an important celebration in the country. The day is also celebrated as National Women's Day. Sarojini Naidu was born on February 13, 1879. She actively participated in the Indian National Movement for the country's freedom. Her poems gave her the nickname of 'Nightingale of India.'

Sarojini Naidu was not just a freedom fighter but she became the first woman governor of United Provinces, the present Uttar Pradesh. Honouring her work and contribution, this day also marks to celebrate the development of women in the country. This proposal of celebration was made by the members of Bhartiya Mahila Sangh and Akhil Bhartiya Mahila Sammelan.

While Sarojini Naidu was part of the independence struggle, she travelled to different parts of the country and delivered lectures with an aim to create social welfare. Her work was recognized by the Britishers, she was awarded the  Kaisar-i-Hind Medal for her work during the plague epidemic in India during 1928. She also advocated the issue of women's empowerment and helped in the establishment of  Women's Indian Association (WIA) in 1917. Her contribution towards the development has been commemorated in several educational institutions, including the Sarojini Naidu College for Women, Sarojini Naidu Medical College, Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital and Sarojini Naidu School of Arts and Communication.

She had been writing since she was 12 years old. Some of her famous works are The Golden Threshold, The Bird of Time: Songs of Life, Death & the Spring, The Magic tree, The Indian Weavers, The Broken Wing: Songs of Love, Death and the Spring (including The Gift of India) and Muhammad Jinnah: An Ambassador of Unity. We are all aware of the International Women's Day which falls on the 8th of March, but India celebrates its very own Women's day on 13th of February and it is very important in the present situation to celebrate this day. In times when we still struggle for equality and women's empowerment, National Women's Day is very relevant.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 12, 2018 10:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).