“Man is ever searching for the source whence he has come, searching for the life which is upwelling within him, immortal, nay, eternal and divine; and every religion is the answer from the Universal Spirit to the seeking spirits of men that came forth from Him.”

English socialist and activist

Annie Besant was an English socialist, theosophist, freemason, educationist, and activist. She lived from 1847 to 1933 and became known for her work in social reform, women’s rights, Home Rule, and Indian nationalism. She supported self-government for Ireland and India and took a prominent role in public life in both countries. In 1917, she became the first woman to serve as president of the Indian National Congress. Her writing and public speeches reflect her commitment to political change, education, and reform.