Sarojini Naidu was elected Congress President at

In 1925, Naidu presided over the annual session of Indian National Congress at Cawnpore (now Kanpur). In 1929, she presided over East African Indian Congress in South Africa. She was awarded the Kaisar-i-Hind Medal by the British government for her work during the plague epidemic in India.

1. Election as Congress President

• Year: 1925
• Event: Indian National Congress Session
• Place: Kanpur (then Cawnpore), United Provinces
• Significance:
  1. Sarojini Naidu became the first Indian woman to be elected President of the Indian National Congress.
  2. Her election demonstrated the growing participation of women in the freedom struggle.

2. About Sarojini Naidu

• Full Name: Sarojini Chattopadhyay Naidu
• Born: 13 February 1879, Hyderabad
• Known For:
  • Poetry: “The Golden Threshold” and “In the Bazaars of Hyderabad”
  • Political Leadership: Civil disobedience, non-cooperation, and women’s rights
• Role in Freedom Struggle:
  • Active participant in Non-Cooperation Movement
  • Worked for women’s suffrage and social reforms
  • Close associate of Mahatma Gandhi

3. Significance of Her Election

1. Breaking Gender Barriers: First woman to lead the Congress, inspiring generations of women leaders.
2. Promotion of Women’s Participation: Encouraged women to join politics and freedom movement actively.
3. Leadership Skills: Demonstrated exceptional oratory, organizational, and diplomatic skills.
4. National Recognition: Her presidency marked her as a key national leader beyond regional or gender identities.

4. Other Contributions

• Served as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh after independence (1947–1949).
• Advocated for education, women empowerment, and social reform.
• Actively participated in major movements such as Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement indirectly by motivating women.

5. Conclusion

Sarojini Naidu was elected President of the Indian National Congress in 1925 at Kanpur, becoming a trailblazer for women in Indian politics. Her leadership inspired countless women to participate in the freedom struggle and laid the foundation for gender equality in India’s political landscape.