Role in Indian army sarojini naidu
Answers
India's freedom struggle was in full force and sarojini naidu came under the influence of Gopalakrishna Gokhale and Gandhi. Gokhale advised her to spare all her energy and talents for nation's cause. She gave up writing poetry and fully devoted herself to emancipation of women, education, Hindu-Muslim unity etc. She became a follower of Gandhiji and accompanied him to England. Whenever in England, she openly criticized British rule in India which caught the attention of scholars and intellectuals.
Towards Gandhi, Sarojini had both respect and mischief. She was famous for wit and humor, and called Gandhi "Mickey Mouse." because of his frail structure. She has an amusing narration of her first meeting with Gandhiji in England. "A little man with a shaven head ...eating a messy meal of squashed tomatoes and olive oil out of a wooden bowl" she burst instinctively into happy laughter. Gandhi lifted his eyes. "Ah! You must be Mrs. Naidu! Who else dare be so irreverent? Come and share my meal!" he is reported to have said.
Her joke "It costs a lot to keep Gandhi poor!" is well-known.
She presided over the annual session of Indian National Congress at Kanpur (1925). It was a great honor. The president was all powerful and had to work out many constructive projects for the entire country for full one year. She earned a name as a remarkable organizer with originality and dash. She had a leading role in Salt Satyagraha and consecutive struggles. She was jailed with Gandhiji and other leaders. She was President of National Women's' Conference for many years and could train many volunteers who took up women's cause.
She was appointed Governor of Uttara Pradesh, a large province of India, as soon as India became independent. "I am a Governess!" she used to joke.
Sarojini had very fine aesthetic sense and was known for selection of exquisite silks and jewelry. But she gave up everything for the sake of national struggle and began to wear coarse Khadi.