Pic:Internet
Tribute to Annie Besant on her birth anniversary.
Annie Besant (1847-1933) was born in London as Annie Wood in 1847.She lost her father at the age of 5 and was fostered by Ellen Marryat the member of Oxford Catholics till age of 16. In 1867 she married cleric Frank Besant younger brother of Walter Besant. She had two kids Arthur Digby and Mabel. Her marriage had rough patch she seperated from her husband in 1873.
She actively participated in National secular society and was a critic of Christian religion from 1876 to 1885 she actively campaigned for women rights. In 1885-1890 she was part of Fabian Society in 1888 she was elected for London School board by popular vote. She participated in Match girls strike and London Dock Strike.
In 1889 she was Introduced to H.P.Blavetsky’s book secret doctorine and she had met her which made her Theosophist. Thus became a member of Theosophical Society and participated as a representative of Theosophical Society in Chicago world fair in 1893. After a dispute at American wing of Theosophical Society Henry Steel Olcott and Annie Besant both made it to India and Founded Theosophical Society Adyar.
During her presidency Theosophical Society focused on studying about Aryavarta and Indian Culture. The Society insisted on Scientific learning along with study of religious texts. In 1911 she joined force with Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya to setup Benaras Hindu University. She also established Scouts and Guides with George Arundale and joined with Madan Mohan Malviya’s Bharat Scouts in 1951 to form Bharat Scouts and Guides.
Her support to Indian Independence was immense she was an active supporter of Freedom struggle and Became president of Indian National Congress in 1917. She along with Bal Gangadhar Tilak organised Home Rule Movement in 1916-18. She was arrested and later released.
Later She focused on her activity with Theosophical Society due her disagreement with Certain events transpired in then political leadership of 1919 still she voiced for Indian Independence . She was critical of Khilafat movement and criticized action of rioters in Malabar Riots.
She focused on helping J.Krishnamurthi for world teacher project. Later J K broke away from Society due to the difference of Philosophy.
Later She was affected by failing health and She died 20 September 1933 at Adyar, in Madras Presidency.She was survived by her Descendants. In her memory Happy Valley School in California was renamed as Besant Hill School of Happy Valley which was founded by J.K.,Aldous Huxley and Rosalind Rajagopal.
-Tribute by Srikaanth Sridhar
Srikaanth Sridhar
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