Social Reformers of India - Annie Besant

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Annie Besant (October 1, 1847 – September 20, 1933) was a prominent theosophist, women's rights activist, writer and orator and supporter of Irish and Indian self-rule. In 1908 Annie Besant became President of the Theosophical Society and began to steer the society away from Buddhism and towards Hinduism. She also became involved in politics in India, joining the Indian National Congress. When war broke out in Europe in 1914 she helped launch the Home Rule League to campaign for democracy in India and dominion status within the Empire which culminated in her election as president of the India National Congress in late 1917. After the war she continued to campaign for Indian independence until her death in 1933.