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Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers Over Time [ Sarojini Naidu: The Nightingale of India (1879-1949) ]

By Nisha Sarvaiya
  • 📌 February 13, 1879 – Birth of a Visionary

    📌 February 13, 1879 – Birth of a Visionary

    Sarojini Naidu was born in Hyderabad into an intellectual family. A gifted child, she displayed extraordinary literary talent and academic brilliance from an early age.
  • 📌 1895 – Pursuit of Knowledge in Londo

    📌 1895 – Pursuit of Knowledge in Londo

    She traveled to King’s College, London, and Girton College, Cambridge, where she mastered English literature and global political thought. Her poetic prowess earned her admiration, shaping her identity as the "Nightingale of India."
  • 📌 December 2, 1905 – A Voice for Freedom

    📌 December 2, 1905 – A Voice for Freedom

    Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s call for Swaraj, she joined the Swadeshi Movement, advocating for self-rule and economic independence. She emerged as a powerful orator, motivating masses across India.
  • 📌 April 1917 – Championing Women’s Rights

    📌 April 1917 – Championing Women’s Rights

    She co-founded the Women’s India Association, fighting for women’s education, equal rights, and the right to vote, making her a trailblazer in India’s feminist movement.
  • 📌 1918 – Helped Pass the Women's Suffrage Resolution

    📌 1918 – Helped Pass the Women's Suffrage Resolution

    She played a crucial role in the women’s suffrage movement, advocating for Indian women’s right to vote and participate in politics.
  • 📌 December 1919 – Defying Colonial Oppression

    📌 December 1919 – Defying Colonial Oppression

    Naidu strongly opposed the Rowlatt Act, which curbed civil liberties. She led protests, encouraging non-violent resistance against unjust British policies.
  • 📌 1920 – Key Role in Non-Cooperation Movement

    📌 1920 – Key Role in Non-Cooperation Movement

    She actively supported Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, urging Indians to boycott British goods, institutions, and services.
  • 📌 December 1925 – A Historic Leadership Milestone

    📌 December 1925 – A Historic Leadership Milestone

    She became the first Indian woman President of the Indian National Congress, a groundbreaking achievement that solidified her position as a national leader.
  • 📌 March 12 to April 6 , 1930 – Leading the Salt Satyagraha

    📌 March 12 to April 6 , 1930 – Leading the Salt Satyagraha

    As one of the key leaders in Gandhi’s Salt March, she bravely led protests against the British salt tax, enduring imprisonment while inspiring millions to fight for justice.
  • 📌 1931 – Represented India at the Second Round Table Conference

    📌 1931 – Represented India at the Second Round Table Conference

    She was the only woman to participate in the Second Round Table Conference in London, discussing India’s future with British leaders.
  • 📌 August 8, 1942 – Quit India Movement

    📌 August 8, 1942 – Quit India Movement

    During the Quit India Movement, she delivered powerful speeches demanding an immediate end to British rule. She was arrested and imprisoned for 21 months.
  • 📌 August 15, 1947 – India’s Independence & First Woman Governor

    📌 August 15, 1947 – India’s Independence & First Woman Governor

    Following India’s independence, she was appointed the first woman Governor of Uttar Pradesh, becoming the first female governor in independent India.
  • 📌 March 2, 1949 – A Legacy That Lives On

    📌 March 2, 1949 – A Legacy That Lives On

    Sarojini Naidu passed away while serving as Governor of Uttar Pradesh. Her legacy as a poet, freedom fighter, and women’s rights activist continues to inspire generations.