Who was the First Woman President of the Indian National Congress?

A. Annie Basant
B. Vijaya Laxmi Pandit
C. Sarojini Naidu
D. Aruna Asaf Ali

Correct Answer: A) Annie Besant

Annie Besant, the first woman president of the Indian National Congress in 1917, was a British-born reformer who became a powerhouse in India’s freedom struggle. Her leadership, Home Rule advocacy, and barrier-breaking role inspired generations. Despite challenges like arrests and skepticism, she left a legacy of education, activism, and women’s empowerment.

Who Was Annie Besant?

Annie Besant became the first woman president of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1917. Born in England, Annie was a firebrand activist, writer, and reformer who fell in love with India’s culture and its fight for freedom. She wasn’t just a bystander—she dove headfirst into India’s independence movement, earning her a top spot in the INC.

Annie’s presidency was a big deal because the INC, founded in 1885, was the leading force pushing for India’s freedom from British rule. As a woman leading this powerhouse in 1917, she broke barriers and inspired countless others. For students, her story is a reminder that passion and courage can make history, no matter where you’re from.

Annie Besant’s Journey to India

Annie’s path to India was wild. Born in 1847 in London, she started as a social reformer, fighting for women’s rights and workers’ welfare. By the 1880s, she got hooked on Theosophy, a spiritual movement that led her to India in 1893. Once here, she was captivated by India’s heritage and horrified by colonial oppression, which lit a fire in her to join the freedom struggle.

She didn’t just cheer from the sidelines. Annie started schools, wrote fiery articles, and rallied Indians to demand self-rule. Her work with the INC and her Home Rule League made her a household name. For students, her journey shows how one person’s conviction can cross borders and spark change.

Quick Facts on First Woman President of the Indian National Congress

• Name: Annie Besant.
• Role: First woman INC president (1917).
• Key Contribution: Home Rule League.
• Born: 1847, London, England.
• Legacy: Education, women’s empowerment, freedom movement.

Leading the Indian National Congress

In 1917, Annie Besant took the INC’s reins at its Calcutta session, becoming its first woman president. This was huge—not just because she was a woman, but because she was a foreigner leading India’s biggest political body. Her presidency focused on pushing for Home Rule, a step toward self-governance, at a time when World War I had Britain distracted.

Her leadership wasn’t all smooth sailing. Some INC members thought her style was too radical or that a non-Indian shouldn’t lead. But Annie’s charisma and commitment won over many, and her presidency energized the freedom movement. For students, this is a lesson in leadership: conviction can outweigh doubts, even in tough times.

Impact of Annie Besant on the Freedom Movement

Annie’s work with the INC left a lasting mark. Her Home Rule League, launched in 1916, got thousands of Indians talking about self-rule, paving the way for later leaders like Gandhi. She used her platform to demand constitutional reforms, like greater Indian representation in government, which kept the pressure on the British.

She also inspired women to join the freedom fight. By leading the INC, Annie showed that women could hold power in a male-dominated world, encouraging figures like Sarojini Naidu, who later became INC president. For students, her impact highlights how one voice can amplify a movement and break gender barriers.

Challenges Annie Besant Faced

Being the first woman INC president wasn’t a cakewalk. Annie faced skepticism from some Indian leaders who questioned her outsider status or her Theosophical beliefs. The British weren’t fans either—they arrested her in 1917 for her Home Rule activities, which only made her a bigger hero to Indians!

She also had to navigate a tricky political landscape, balancing moderate and radical INC factions. Despite these hurdles, Annie stayed true to her mission, using her wit and words to keep the freedom fight alive. For students, her resilience is a masterclass in standing firm against opposition.

Legacy of Annie Besant

Annie Besant’s legacy is still felt today. Beyond the INC, she founded the Central Hindu College (now part of Banaras Hindu University) and championed education for Indians. Her writings, like her translations of the Bhagavad Gita, bridged Indian philosophy with the world. She passed away in 1933, but her spirit lives on in India’s story.

For students, Annie’s life is a call to action: you don’t need to be born in a place to fight for its justice. Her role as the first woman INC president proves that courage, vision, and a bit of stubbornness can change history. So, next time you read about India’s freedom, give a nod to Annie!

Summary

Question: Who was the First Woman President of the Indian National Congress?
Answer: Annie Besant was the First Woman President of the Indian National Congress.
Annie Besant’s story as the first woman INC president is pure inspiration. She showed that passion for justice knows no borders, leading India’s freedom fight with grit and heart. For students, her life is a reminder to chase big dreams and stand up for what’s right—because if Annie could shake up history, so can you!

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