Padmaja Naidu

Padmaja Naidu (1900-1975) is daughter of Sarojini Naidu. She was Governor of the Indian state of West Bengal between 1956 and 1967.

Miss Padmaja Naidu devoted herself to the cause of Nation like her mother. At the age of 21, she entered the National scene and became the joint founder of the Indian National Congress of Hyderabad. She spread the message of Khadi and inspired people to boycott foreign goods. She was jailed for taking part in the Quit India movement in 1942.

After Independence, Miss Naidu was elected to the Parliament but she resigned her membership on account of her ill health. She became the Governor of West Bengal. She held that high office for many years with great distinction. During her public life spanning over half a century, she was associated with the Red Cross. She played a leading role as Chairman of the Indian Red Cross Society during the Bangladesh refugee operation. Miss Naidu was also associated with the Bharat Sevak Samaj, All India Handcrafts Board and Nehru Memorial Fund. Her services to the Nation and especially her humanitarian approach to solve problems will long be remembered.

The Zoological Park at Darjeeling was dedicated on 21 November 1975 to Padmaja Naidu by Indira Gandhi and since then it is called Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.

References

There are many an article that talks of her affairs with Jawaharlal Nehru. (e.g Shashi Tharoor's works). Can someone shed further light on this topic ?.

External links

* http://www.darjeelingnews.net/pnhz_park.html