Annie Besant Biography 
Annie Besant was the second President of The Theosophical Society from 1907 to 1933, was described as a ‘Diamond Soul’ for her wonderful personality. She was a prominent British socialist, theosophist, women's rights activist, writer and orator. She was a supporter of Indian self rule. Though born as a European she added new dimensions to Indian freedom struggle. She reached India in the year 1893 and later became a part of this country.
Annie was born on 1 October 1847 in London. She was a free thinker, social activist and theosophist before reaching India. She fought for human rights as well. She was married at 20 to Frank Besant but separated from him over religious differences. She had a son, Arthur Digby, and a daughter, Mabel in this wed lock. Unable to make logic out of Christian traditions, she left the Church in 1872 and became a freethinker. In 1879 she matriculated at London University, though she had to face many obstacles there.
She joined the National Secular Society in 1874. She joined The Theosophical Society on 21 May 1889. Her conversion to theosophy prompted her to reach India with its activities. In 1907, she was elected as its president. During the first 20 years, she fully devoted to social, religious and educational reforms. She founded central Hindu school and Hindu college at Banaras. She has written more than 300 books in her credit. She worked for the spiritual transformation of thousands of people all over the world. The transformation of the religious life in India, particularly among Hindus, is one of the wonders she performed. She strived hard for the uplift of women as well.
Once Lord Baden-Powell remarked that Indians are unfit for scouts. She found Indian Scout Movement in 1918 with boys wearing Indian turbans. Later she was made the Honorary Scout Commissioner for India by Lord Baden himself. As a part of her functions at Theosophical society, she travelled throughout India and abroad. She acted as its president till she died in 20 September 1933, Adyar of Madras Presidency.
Published: N/A
Updated: September 30, 2013
