Google Doodle celebrates Annie Besant’s birth anniversary

The prominent British socialist, theosophist, women’s rights activist and writer was known for her oratory skills that could whip an audience of thousands into a frenzy. Born on 1 October, 1847, she actively advocated India’s struggle for freedom.

Annie Besant played a major role in Indian politics and empowering women in India. She was a staunch supporter of Indian self-rule.

Annie promoted the launch of Home Rule League to pitch for democracy in India and dominion status within the Empire during the World War I in 1914.

As part of her theosophy-related work, she travelled to India. She passed away in 1933.

And Google India has now showcased Annie Besant’s contribution to the country for all to see with a Google Doodle celebrating her 168th birth anniversary.

Annie Besant married clergyman Frank Besant at age 20 and bore him two children but her increasingly anti-religious views led to a legal separation in 1873. In 1902, she established the first overseas Lodge of the worldwide Order of Co-Freemasonry, Le Droit Humain.

Besant came to India on 16 November 1893 to attend the Annual Convention of the Theosophical Society at Adyar in Madras and in 1898 she established the Central Hindu College at Benares, nucleus of the Benares Hindu University. She was also made the President of the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress in August the same year.