Sarojini Naidu

13 February 1879 – 2 March 1949

Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949) was an Indian poet and independence activist known as the 'Nightingale of India'. A close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, she became the first Indian woman to preside over the Indian National Congress and, after independence, the first woman governor of an Indian state. Her lyrical English poetry collections include The Golden Threshold and The Bird of Time.

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Life events

Born in Hyderabad, India
13 February 1879

Sarojini Chattopadhyay was born in Hyderabad to scientist-educator Aghorenath Chattopadhyay and poet Barada Sundari Devi.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Passed the Madras University matriculation examination at age twelve
1891

Sarojini topped the matriculation examination of the University of Madras, gaining early renown as a prodigy.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Studied in England at King's College London and Girton College, Cambridge
1895 – 1898

Supported by a scholarship from the Nizam of Hyderabad, she studied in England, where she met literary figures including Edmund Gosse and Arthur Symons.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married Govindarajulu Naidu
1898

She married physician Govindarajulu Naidu in an inter-caste marriage that was progressive for its time.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Published her first poetry collection, The Golden Threshold
1905

Her debut volume of English verse, The Golden Threshold, was published in London with an introduction by Arthur Symons.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Elected President of the Indian National Congress
December 1925

At the Kanpur session, Naidu became the first Indian woman to preside over the Indian National Congress.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Led the Dharasana Satyagraha after Gandhi's arrest
May 1930

During the Salt Satyagraha, Naidu led the non-violent raid on the Dharasana Salt Works and was arrested by British authorities.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Appointed Governor of the United Provinces
15 August 1947 – 2 March 1949

Upon Indian independence, Naidu became the first woman governor of an Indian state, serving in the United Provinces until her death.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Lucknow while in office
2 March 1949

Sarojini Naidu died of cardiac arrest at Government House in Lucknow while serving as governor.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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