5 Foreign Origin Women who Made a Difference to India

Annie Besant

Original Name: Annie Wood

Annie Besant was born to Irish Parents on October 1, 1847. She was famous as a social worker, educationalist and journalist. She has given significant contribution in India's freedom struggle which was remarkable; she was also admired as a staunch supporter of Indian Independence Movement.
She was the first woman president of Indian National Congress who came to India in the year 1893 as a member of Theosophical Society. She was deeply touched by the sufferings of Indian people because of the British rule and therefore got involved in Indian freedom movement. She founded the Home-Rule League and revived the Theosophical Society. In 1915, she chaired the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress. She edited 'New India' a popular news paper during the freedom movement used to criticize British government and also established Indian Boy Scouts Association. She died at the age of 86.

Her famous quote: “Better remain silent, better not even think, if you are not prepared to act”