Every year, on February 15, India celebrates the birth anniversary of freedom fighter, poet, activist, and epitome of women empowerment in our country – the ‘nightingale of India’ Sarojini Naidu, as the National Women’s Day.

Today, on her 145th Birth Anniversary, the country commemorates and elucidates the life of the visionary nationalist who invigorated Mahatma Gandhi’s Civil Disobedience Movement in Dharsana (1930) and, later, through her astute administrative and political prowess, became the first female governor of a state in independent India.

Born as Sarojini Chattopadhyay in a Bengali Hindu family in Hyderabad on February 13th, 1879, she shined as a proficient poet and literature enthusiast in her preadolescence. She received education from numerous esteemed institutions across India and England before drawing attention as one of the most prominent and accomplished poets of her time.

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Connoisseurs of literature keep getting amazed at how effortlessly she used words to signify the dynamic social change unfolding across pre-Independent India. During the national movement, people recited her nationalistic poems that eventually spread awareness and inspired people to fight against the British Raj. Her verses were infused with the profound themes of patriotism, feminism, and themes of social justice that resonated with people across the country, especially women, who followed her cue and participated in the freedom struggle.

Her role in the national movement ranged from organising and leading protests against British rule to fighting tirelessly to ameliorate women’s woe in India. In 1925, she broke a crucial glass ceiling by becoming the first Indian woman to get selected as the president of the Indian National Congress. Using this coveted podium, she advocated women’s rights and pushed for achieving gender equality in Indian society.

Since her legacy evokes a fearless spirit, unwavering determination, and exceptional pursuit of success in the minds of Indian women, the government chose her birthday as the field day to uphold women’s empowerment. Her story of breaking societal norms and paving the way for future generations of women to voice their opinions is a legacy in itself. 

February 13 is a day to acknowledge the pivotal role played by women in shaping and moulding society. It also serves as a reminder that we still have a lot more to pursue and achieve for making the world inclusive and equal for the other half of our population. National Women’s Day 2024, has been themed ‘Inspire Inclusion’, to make one introspect and realise that the fight for gender equality is far from over and that we must continue working towards it.