Sarojini Varadappan was an Indian social worker who was associated with the Indian National Congress and the Congress Seva Dal during her early days. She was from the Tamil Nadu state of India. She was the daughter of former Chief Minister of Madras (now Chennai), M. Bhaktavatsalam. Sarojini was associated with a number of organizations, especially those working for the welfare of women. Owing to her social activities, she was awarded with Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. She breathed her last on 17 October 2013, at the age of 92.
Early Life of Sarojini Varadappan
She was born in Madras on 21 September 1921 to Bhaktavatsalam, former Chief Minister of Madras and Gnanasundarambal. At the time of her birth, her father was a student at the Madras Law College. When she was only 21, her father was arrested. He was jailed at the height of the Quit India Movement and was released after two years of imprisonment in 1944. Her niece Mrs. Jayanthi Natarajan is a minister in the central cabinet.
Education of Sarojini Varadappan
Sarojini was enrolled at Lady Sivaswami Girls School. After ninth standard her school education was discontinued. However, she continued studying Hindi through private home tuitions and completed her Visharadh. Her conservative family was opposed to her travelling to an exam centre so her Prathmic exams were conducted at home.
She was married to her cousin Varadappan at an early age. She was fond of studies and did not let her marriage become a barrier in her education. Sarojini went on to complete her Master`s in political science from Mysore University through correspondence after marriage. She also received her MA degree in Vaishnavism from Madras University. Her keen interest in education helped her to get her PhD at the age of 80 for her thesis on "Social Service and the Swami Narayan Movement". Sarojini was also an ardent devotee of the Paramacharya of Kanchi, Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi.
Social Work of Sarojini Varadappan
Since her early days, Sarojini was associated with social activities. Her mother Gnanasundarambal was a member of the Women`s India Association (WIA) so she too joined the organisation at an early age. She served the role of president of WIA and the Mylapore Academy. She was associated with the Indian Red Cross Society for more than 35 years. When Marri Chenna Reddy was the Governor of Tamil Nadu, she was appointed President of the society.
Music Career of Sarojini Varadappan
She was also enthusiastic about learning music. She learnt music from Parur Sundaram Iyer. She also learnt Kshetragna padams and Tamil padams from Mylapore Gowri Amma, Bharatiyar songs from E. Krishna Iyer and Hindi bhajans from Veena Visalakshi. Sarojini used to sing prayer songs at Congress meetings.
Achievements of Sarojini Varadappan
•Sarojini was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India`s third highest civilian award for social service in 2009.
•She was awarded with the Jankidevi Bajaj award in 2005.
•She was honoured with the Padma Shri, India`s fourth highest civilian award in 1973.
