The Nightingale of India: Sarojini Naidu's Fight for Freedom and Equality

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' hosts Simon and Vicky discuss the inspiring life of Sarojini Naidu, known as the Nightingale of India. Sarojini was a poet, politician, campaigner, and a key leader in the Indian independence movement and universal suffrage. The conversation begins with Simon and Vicky's personal banter about an upcoming fancy dress party and moves into the historical narrative. Born into a well-educated and privileged family, Sarojini's views on British rule were initially favorable. Her time at Girton College, Cambridge, however, exposed her to the harsh realities of British sexism, leading her to question and ultimately oppose British imperialism. She met Gandhi and became a fervent disciple of his nonviolent resistance movement (Satyagraha), advocating for both Indian independence and women's rights. The episode covers key milestones in her life, including her poetry, political speeches, involvement in the Indian suffragette movement, and crucial role in the Salt March and Quit India Movement. Sarojini's journey from admiration for the British to a staunch advocate for Indian and women's rights exemplifies her bravery and unwavering commitment to justice.

● King’s College London Biography https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/sarojini-naidu

● Article on Aljazeera by Nick Dall

https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/9/14/the-indian-poet-who-scared-white-south-africa-and-changed-it

● Cambridge University Library article by Jill Whitelock

https://specialcollections-blog.lib.cam.ac.uk/?p=28325

● Armstrong History Journal article by Madisyn Staggs

https://armstronghistoryjournal.wordpress.com/2021/04/20/from-poet-to-activist-sarojini-naidu-and-her-battles-against-colonial-oppression-and-misogyny-in-20th-century-india/

● Raman, Sita Anantha (2006). "Naidu, Sarojini".

00:00 Introduction and Casual Conversation

01:15 Introducing Sarojini Naidu: The Nightingale of India

03:27 Early Life and Education

06:36 Experiences in England and Changing Perceptions

12:05 Return to India and Entry into Politics

12:57 Advocacy for Women's Rights and Indian Independence

16:18 Challenges and Setbacks in the Fight for Suffrage

18:05 Colonial South Africa and the Indian Laborers

19:50 Indentured Labor and Gandhi's Arrival in South Africa

21:16 Gandhi's Transformation and Meeting with Sarojini

22:33 Sarojini's Political Journey and Non-Violent Resistance

26:25 The British Salt Monopoly and Gandhi's Salt March

33:41 The Quit India Movement and Sarojini's Role

37:01 India's Independence and Sarojini's Legacy

37:41 Reflections on History and Non-Violent Protest

41:52 Conclusion and Further Reading