Who was the first female President of Congress?
VerifiedAnswer: Annie Besant
Explanation:
Annie Besant holds the remarkable distinction of being the first woman to serve as President of the Indian National Congress. She was elected to this prestigious position in 1917 during the Calcutta session, marking a significant milestone in both the freedom struggle and women's participation in Indian politics.
Born in London in 1847, Annie Besant was a British socialist, theosophist, and women's rights activist who later became deeply involved in India's independence movement. Her journey to becoming Congress President began when she arrived in India in 1893 and gradually immersed herself in Indian culture, philosophy, and the struggle for self-governance.
What made Annie Besant's presidency particularly significant was the timing and context. In 1917, India was facing tremendous political upheaval during World War I. Besant had been actively advocating for Home Rule for India and had established the Home Rule League in 1916. Her efforts to demand self-governance for India led to her arrest by the British authorities in June 1917, which ironically increased her popularity among Indians.
During her Congress presidency, Besant focused on several key areas that would shape India's political future. She emphasized the importance of education, particularly for women, and worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between different religious communities. Her approach was more moderate compared to some other freedom fighters, as she believed in constitutional methods and gradual progress toward independence.
Besant's contribution to the Indian independence movement extended far beyond her one-year presidency. She established several educational institutions, including the Central Hindu College in Varanasi, which later became part of Banaras Hindu University. She was also instrumental in reviving interest in Indian culture and traditions among Indians themselves.
Her presidency paved the way for future women leaders in Indian politics and demonstrated that gender should not be a barrier to political leadership. Annie Besant's legacy continues to inspire women in politics and her pioneering role as the first female Congress President remains an important chapter in India's struggle for independence and women's empowerment.
