Mahua wrongly corrects PM Modi, calls Sarojini Bose ‘Sarojini Naidu’
In a recent speech in Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the story of Sarojini Bose, a courageous woman who vowed not to wear her gold bangles until the ban on ‘Vande Mataram’ was lifted in the early 1900s. However, his statement was met with a correction from Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra, who shouted “Naidu, sir” in an attempt to rectify the Prime Minister’s supposed mistake. Unfortunately, Moitra’s correction was incorrect, and she ended up confusing two prominent women in Indian history.
For those who may not be familiar, ‘Vande Mataram’ is a patriotic song that was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1870 and was a rallying cry for the Indian independence movement. The song was banned by the British colonial authorities, and it was during this time that Sarojini Bose made her vow. Bose’s sacrifice and defiance were a testament to the strong spirit of the Indian people during the struggle for independence.
However, when Mahua Moitra tried to correct the Prime Minister, she mistakenly referred to Sarojini Bose as Sarojini Naidu. This error was quickly pointed out by BJP’s Pradeep Bhandari, who took to X to express his disappointment. “She doesn’t know Bose and Naidu were two different women…she should pick up a book,” Bhandari said. This statement highlights the importance of being well-versed in history and the need to avoid making careless mistakes, especially when it comes to notable figures like Sarojini Bose and Sarojini Naidu.
Sarojini Naidu, on the other hand, was a different personality altogether. Born in 1879, Naidu was a poet, politician, and women’s rights activist who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. She was known for her beautiful poetry and her advocacy for women’s education and empowerment. Naidu was also a close friend and ally of Mahatma Gandhi and was instrumental in organizing the women’s wing of the Indian National Congress.
The mix-up between Sarojini Bose and Sarojini Naidu is understandable, given the similarities in their names and the fact that both women were involved in the Indian independence movement. However, it is essential to recognize and respect the individual contributions and achievements of each woman. By confusing the two, Moitra not only showed a lack of knowledge about Indian history but also did a disservice to the memory of Sarojini Bose and her courageous act of defiance.
This incident highlights the importance of being well-informed and accurate when discussing historical events and figures. It is crucial to approach such topics with respect and sensitivity, recognizing the significance of the contributions made by individuals like Sarojini Bose and Sarojini Naidu. By doing so, we can ensure that their legacies are preserved and passed down to future generations.
In conclusion, the mistake made by Mahua Moitra is a reminder of the need to be mindful of historical facts and to approach such topics with caution and respect. It is essential to recognize the individual contributions and achievements of notable figures like Sarojini Bose and Sarojini Naidu, rather than confusing them or diminishing their importance. By doing so, we can work towards creating a more informed and nuanced understanding of Indian history and the courageous men and women who shaped the country’s destiny.
News source: https://x.com/pradip103/status/1997964203391410410
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