Anne
Besant was an Indian
patriot of
foreign origin, who created a niche for herself in Indian History for
her
humanitarian values. She was among those brave women, who favored total
freedom
as well as development of the country.
Anne
Besant founded
Home-rule League
and also established Boy Scouts Association and received a prestigious
award
for her achievements. She lived for India with noble feelings for
everyone in
the world.
Anne
Besant was born in
London in
1847. Her parents were of Irish origin and brought her up with care,
helping
her develop her own identity. She grew up, greatly influenced by Indian
culture
and civilization and left for India. In India, Anne Besant studied
Hindu
religion and philosophy. She became a social worker, educationist and
reformer.
In
1914, Anne Besant participated actively in political activities. She
was in
favour of granting full freedom to India and contributed hugely to
Indian
independence movement. Anne Besant also established the Theosophical
Society of
India. She also worked as a journalist and edited the journal,
'New-India'. She
presided over the Calcutta Session of the Congress in 1915 and became
its first
woman President in 1917.