Who was the First Woman President of the INC?

The Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885, played a significant role in India’s freedom movement. During the freedom fighting of India, many women also played an important role.

From Lakshmi Bai to Sarojini Naidu, everyone played an important role. But do you know who was the first woman president of the INC. 

Let’s explore this article in detail.

First Woman President of  INC

Annie Besant was the first woman president of the Indian National Congress. She was elected as the president of INC at the Calcutta Session, which was held in 1917.

Who was Annie Besant?

Annie Besant was a British socialist and theosophist who was born in London on 1 October 1847. Her father’s name was William Page Wood.

She was not only a leader, but also a thinker, writer, and social activist. She spent most of the time fighting for the rights of people. 

Role of Annie Besant in the Theosophical Society

Annie Besant joined the Theosophical Society in 1889, which was founded to explore the spiritual philosophies and promote the universal brotherhood.

The Theosophical Society was founded by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Henry Steel Olcott. 

For the first time, Annie Besant represented the Theosophical Society at the Chicago World Parliament of Religions in 1893.

She became the president of the Theosophical Society in 1907 after the death of Henry Steel Olcott, and she kept this position until she died in 1933.

Major Contributions of Annie Besant 

Annie Besant played an important role in the Indian freedom struggle and contributed to many social reform movements, like the Home Rule Movement, in education and political activism.

By profession, she was an advocate, and she became one of the prominent figures in the Indian Independence movement.

Annie Besant's Home Rule Movement

The Home Rule Movement marked a milestone in the liberation and struggle in the Indian Independence movement. It emerged as the response of the First World War. Many prominent leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, G.S. Khaparde, Sir S. Subramania Iyer, Joseph Baptista, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah were associated with this movement.

Among these leaders, Annie Besant was involved in the Home Rule Movement. In September 1916, along with Bal Gangadhar Tilak, she established the All-India Home Rule League to promote the ideas of the “Home Rule Movement”.

Annie Besant's Contribution to Education of India

Annie Besant also played an important role in the education of India. In 1898, she founded the Central Hindu College in Banaras (now Varanasi) to inspire the pride and cultural heritage of India.

Later this college came to be known as Banaras Hindu University. She had also established the Central Hindu School for Girls in Varanasi, only to educate and advance female education in India.

Legacy of Annie Besant

As a prominent leader, social activist, and theosophist, Annie Besant was significantly influenced by the spiritual and philosophical landscape during her time. 

Her leadership in the Home Rule Movement and her presidency of the INC were major contributions to the Indian Independence Movement. Her legacy will always be remembered in India’s history.