The University of Hyderabad (UoH) launched its public outreach initiative, “University for Hyderabad” on February 13, 2020 with an event to mark the 141st birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu at Golden Threshold, the residence of the nationalist poet, in Nampally.
Prof. T. Vijay Kumar, former Dean of the faculty of Arts, Osmania University and Director, Hyderabad Literary Festival, delivered a special lecture titled, “From a Mockingbird to an Indian Koel: the many voices of Sarojini Naidu”. Prof Vijay is an Alumnus of UoH and shared his experiences at the Golden Threshold during his student days.
Prof. T. Vijay Kumar
Prof. Vijay Kumar presented a layered portrait of Sarojini Naidu, drawing from her personal upbringing as the eldest child of the scientist, Aghornath Chattopadhyay as well as from the social context of a multicultural Hyderabad and the national political scenario. She found her poetic voice during her studies in England, writing some memorable poetry. As an important leader in the freedom struggle, she was very close to Mahatma Gandhi, Jinnah, Ambedkar, and Nehru.
This lecture was mostly attended by people from the city.
As part of its Institution of Eminence (IoE) mandate to convert the Golden Threshold heritage premises into a literary and cultural hub for the city of Hyderabad, the University plans to leverage its city campus to host, among other things, popular lectures by its faculty members as well as by distinguished visitors to the university, poetry and book readings, music concerts, theatre and dance performances, and art exhibitions. The University will let out various spaces in the historic complex to literary and cultural groups in the city at nominal charges.
The lecture can be viewed at video link: https://youtu.be/9cSIEm5i42s