“What, after all, is the object of education? To train the body in health, vigor and grace, so that it may express the emotions in beauty and the mind with accuracy and strength.”

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.