“We want deeper sincerity of motive, a greater courage in speech and earnestness in action.” — Sarojini Naidu
Every year on February 13, India celebrates National Women’s Day to honor the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu — a trailblazing poet, freedom fighter, and women’s rights advocate. Known as the “Nightingale of India” for her lyrical poetry, she played a pivotal role in India’s independence movement and championed gender equality throughout her life.
This day serves as a powerful reminder of women’s empowerment and the continuing need for equal opportunities in politics, education, and leadership. Through her legacy, Sarojini Naidu continues to inspire generations of women to break barriers and shape the future of India.
📌 What is National Women’s Day in India?
National Women’s Day is an annual observance dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements, leadership, and contributions to Indian society. Unlike International Women’s Day (celebrated on March 8), this national event specifically honors an iconic Indian woman leader — Sarojini Naidu — who fought tirelessly for women’s empowerment and social justice.
The Government of India designated February 13 as National Women’s Day to commemorate Sarojini Naidu’s immense contributions to politics, literature, and social reform. The day highlights the ongoing need for gender equality while celebrating the progress women have made in various fields.
Don’t confuse: National Women’s Day (February 13) with International Women’s Day (March 8). National Women’s Day is India-specific and honors Sarojini Naidu, while International Women’s Day is a global observance for women’s rights worldwide.
📜 History & Significance of National Women’s Day
The Government of India designated February 13 as National Women’s Day to commemorate Sarojini Naidu’s birth anniversary and her immense contributions to the nation. This date serves as a reminder of her pioneering spirit and the values she championed throughout her life.
The significance of National Women’s Day extends beyond mere commemoration. It recognizes the achievements of Indian women in various fields, encourages gender equality and women’s participation in leadership roles, raises awareness about women’s rights and empowerment, and inspires young women to pursue their dreams in education and careers.
Why does India need a separate National Women’s Day when International Women’s Day already exists? The answer lies in honoring indigenous heroes — celebrating an Indian woman who shaped the nation’s history reminds us that our own soil has produced remarkable leaders worthy of remembrance.
👤 Sarojini Naidu: The Nightingale of India
Sarojini Naidu (February 13, 1879 – March 2, 1949) was a key figure in the Indian Nationalist Movement and worked closely with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Born in Hyderabad to a scholarly Bengali family, she displayed exceptional intellectual abilities from a young age.
Her father, Dr. Aghorenath Chattopadhyay, was a scientist and philosopher who founded the Hyderabad College (now Nizam College). Her mother, Barada Sundari Devi, was a poet who wrote in Bengali. This intellectual environment nurtured Sarojini’s dual passions for literature and public service.
Think of Sarojini Naidu as a “double achiever” — she mastered both the pen and politics. While her poetry earned her the title “Nightingale of India,” her political work made her India’s first woman Congress President and first woman Governor. She proved that women could excel in any field they chose.
🏆 Her Achievements and Historic “Firsts”
Sarojini Naidu achieved several groundbreaking milestones that inspired countless women in India and beyond. Her achievements shattered glass ceilings in both politics and public life during a time when women’s participation was severely limited.
| Achievement | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| First Indian woman President of INC | 1925 | Held session at Kanpur; proved women could lead national movements |
| First woman Governor of India | 1947 | Governor of United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh); served until 1949 |
| First Indian woman to address British Parliament | 1919 | Advocated for India’s independence and women’s suffrage |
| Pioneer of inter-caste marriage | 1898 | Married Dr. Govindarajulu Naidu, defying rigid social norms |
| Led India’s delegation to South Africa | 1929 | Fought for rights of Indians abroad at South African Indian Congress |
Key Exam Fact: Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman to become President of the Indian National Congress (1925, Kanpur session) AND the first woman to become Governor of an Indian state (United Provinces, 1947-1949).
📖 Literary Contributions: The Nightingale’s Songs
Apart from being a political leader, Sarojini Naidu was a celebrated poet whose works beautifully captured patriotism, nature, love, and Indian heritage. Her eloquent verses, written in English with distinctly Indian imagery, earned her the title “The Nightingale of India” from Mahatma Gandhi.
Her poetry was widely read both in India and abroad, and she was considered one of the finest English-language poets of her era. Her work combined Western poetic forms with Indian themes and sensibilities.
| Poetry Collection | Year | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| The Golden Threshold | 1905 | Debut collection; praised for vivid imagery and lyrical beauty |
| The Bird of Time | 1912 | Themes of freedom, struggle, and hope |
| The Broken Wing | 1917 | Contains “The Gift of India” — tribute to WWI soldiers |
| The Feather of the Dawn | 1961 (posthumous) | Unpublished poems edited by daughter Padmaja Naidu |
“The Gift of India” is one of her most famous poems, written as a tribute to Indian soldiers who fought and died in World War I. The poem personifies India as a mother mourning her sons who sacrificed their lives in foreign lands. This poem is often cited in discussions about India’s contribution to both World Wars.
🎉 How India Celebrates National Women’s Day
Every year, India celebrates National Women’s Day through various initiatives that promote women’s empowerment and gender equality. The celebrations span educational institutions, government offices, and civil society organizations.
Key activities include educational seminars and talks on women’s rights, leadership, and equality; cultural events featuring poetry recitals, debates, and exhibitions honoring Sarojini Naidu’s legacy; government initiatives launching new women’s empowerment programs and policies; social media campaigns spreading awareness about gender equality; and award ceremonies recognizing outstanding contributions by women in various fields.
Remember: National Women’s Day (Feb 13) honors Sarojini Naidu’s birth. She died on March 2, 1949. Her most famous poem is “The Gift of India.” She was called “Nightingale of India” by Mahatma Gandhi.
Click to flip • Master key facts
For GDPI, Essay Writing & Critical Analysis
5 questions • Instant feedback
National Women’s Day is celebrated on February 13, which is the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu.
Sarojini Naidu became the first Indian woman President of INC in 1925 at the Kanpur session.
United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) was the state where Sarojini Naidu served as the first woman Governor from 1947-1949.
“The Gift of India” is Sarojini Naidu’s most famous poem, which is a tribute to Indian soldiers who died in World War I.
Mahatma Gandhi gave Sarojini Naidu the title “Nightingale of India” for her lyrical and melodious poetry.
