University of Hyderabad to receive Sarojini Naidu artefacts at Golden Gate

A view of the Golden Gate Building was bequeathed to the University of Hyderabad by Sarojini Naidu’s family. | Photo credit: RAMAKRISHNA G.

The University of Hyderabad (UoH) on Monday formally received the artefacts and personal belongings of freedom fighter and poet Sarojini Naidu alias ‘Nightingale of India’ at the historic Golden Threshold building in Abids here.

The event titled “Preserving the Poet’s Legacy – Handover of Artifacts to Smt. Sarojini Naidu” was held at the Golden Threshold Conference Hall.

Naidu’s will and Telangana Government Order No. 1040/Endts.II/A1/2026 dated 9 February 2026 transferring the artefacts to the University of Hyderabad were formally handed over to Vice Chancellor J. Anuradha.

Ms. Anuradha in her inaugural address recalled her association with the Sarojini Naidu School of Arts and Communication when it was functioning from Golden Threshold. She said preserving the heritage building had been a long-term effort and described the event as the first step in bringing the restored space back to life.

The trustees of the Sarojini Naidu Trust handed over the will and the Telangana Government Ordinance to University of Hyderabad Vice-Chancellor J. Anuradha at the Golden Threshold Building in Abids, Hyderabad on Monday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Author and Sarojini Naidu Trust Trustee Sheela Reddy narrated how she discovered Naidu’s letters and personal belongings in the Osmania Hospital building and subsequently collected rare letters and artefacts associated with the freedom fighter. She referred to the Golden Gate as Naidu’s marital home, which was frequented by prominent national leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Naidu was an integral part of India’s freedom struggle and was the first woman president of the Indian National Congress and the first woman governor of a state in free India.

At the ceremony, the university honored individuals who have contributed to the preservation and renovation of the Golden Gate Bridge. The list included Sheela Reddy, Papa Rao, Vinod Pavarala, Shaik Jeelani and Ch. Hanumantha Rao.

The event ended with a guided tour of the restored Golden Threshold building, during which guests viewed the preserved artefacts and restoration work of the university. Officials noted that the initiative is expected to enhance the Golden Gate’s role as a center for the preservation and presentation of Naidu’s literary, cultural and historical legacy.

The program was attended by members of the Sarojini Naidu Trust, university officials and those associated with the restoration of the heritage building.

Published – 07 Sep 2026 19:18 IST