Give a brief Life-Sketch of SAROJINI NAIDU.

Ans.

SAROJINI NAIDU (1879-1949)

A Versatile Genius and a Poet at Heart

Sarojini Naidu was a versatile genius and achievements. She was one of mother India’s most gifted children. She imparted poetic grace and beauty, humanitarian touch and cultured sensibility to the dull and monotonous task of a politician. Although she ceased to be a poet in the literal sense in 1914, the fateful year of her first meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in London, she remained a poet at heart all through her life.

It is her nearness to life and her deep understanding of the pathos of life, her victories and defeats, her joys and sorrows, her smiles and tears, her patience and heroic determination, the aches and joys of her lover which are spontaneously and powerfully expressed in her lyrics.

Her Birth and Parentage

Sarojini Naidu was born on Feb. 13, 1879 at Hyderabad (Deccan). She was the daughter of the illustrious scientist, Dr. Aghorenath. Her father was a Brahmin by caste, had migrated to Hyderabad from Brahaman-goan, a small village which is now in Bangladesh. Her father Dr. Aghorenath was the first D. Sc. of science. He obtained this high academic distinction from Edinburgh University in 1877. After returning from England, he did not go to Bengal, but settled in Hyderabad and his destiny turned him to be the founder of Nizam College. At first he served as a Professor and later its Principal and patron. He was primary a scientist. with the strain of an alchemist. He had also the elements of a poet of a sort and was a master linguist. In the words of Sarojini Naidu’s brother, Harindranath Chattopadhyaya: “His father was a broad chested man with Homeric face. He was not a man, but a veritable epoch. He established eras in realms of knowledge and the realms of the life of humanity.” Dr. Aghorenath was a mystic by temperament. He saw and realized the universe as a part of his own being and talked to his children about macrocosm and microcosm. Sarojini Naidu immortalized her father in her famous sonnet, In Salutation to My Father’s Spirit. In this sonnet she describes his qualities of head and heart.

Her Enjoying a Privileged Position in India’s Political Scene

Sarojini became a central figure in the national life. She accompanied Mahatma Gandhi to London, who went there to attend the Round Table Conference to explore the possibility of a peaceful settlement with the British Government. She visited South Africa in 1934 as a representative of Indian womanhood. She always remained in the forefront in the cause of the women’s emancipation. She offered individual Satyagrah along with Bhula Bhai Desai and many others in 1940 and courted arrest. She was one of the leading figures in the Quit India Movement of 1942 and was arrested. She alone was allowed by the British Government to attend to Mahatma Gandhi in 1943 when he undertook his epic fast.

Sarojini’s Playing a Vital Role in Bringing About Amity Between the Hindus and the Muslims

Sarojini Naidu played a vital role in bringing about amity between the Hindus and the Muslims after Mahatma’s death. Her address at both the all India Khilafat Conference and the Hindu effect. It was due to her efforts that a meeting between Gandhi, Jinna and Ali brothers was arranged in Bombay to bridge the gulf of Hindu and Muslim differences. Mahatma had with him the inspiring words of Sarojini Naidu. Just before the attainment of independence Mahatma Gandhi marched all alone to Noakhali in East Bengal to succour the bleeding humanity. Sarojini wished all success for the Mahatma.

The Passing Away of Sarojini, the Great Gifted and Glorious Daughter of India

Sarojini, the bird of India endowed with innumerable qualities, died on March 2, 1949. The nation paid a fitting homage to her. B. G. Kher, then Chief Minister of Bombay said, “Sarojini was a devoted wife, loving mother, poet, orator, ambassador, governor, guide, philosopher and friend.” Pt. Nehru said, “And now the dearest and brightest of them is gone. I feel desolate of heart and widowed in spirit.”

Thus, the bird of her time flew away and disappeared in unknown sky after leaving her noble deeds.