Role of Annie Besant in the Indian National Congress (The First Woman President)

Annie Besant was an Irish lady who came to India in 1893 as a Theosophist and made it her permanent home. She occupies an honoured place in the annuals of Hindu Revivalism. She was a great advocate of national education and swadeshi. She entered the political field in 1914 and founded Home Rule League in 1916. She demanded Home Rule for India. Her popularity as National Leader can be gauged from the fact that the Congress elected her to preside over its Calcutta session in 1917.  So  Mrs.  Besant  became  the  first  women  president  of  the  Indian  National Congress to preside over the 32nd session which was held at Calcutta in the year 1917. Her presidential address was an elaborate thesis of India’s self-government. She outlined the programme for India’s future. That India should move towards her ancient institutions like the village panchayat, etc. Mrs. Besant strongly pleaded 
for liberty and freedom. She believed that the establishment of self government was imperative in India. It is necessary to the self-respect and dignity of the people. The demand for self rule means the need for freedom of nation.