Celebrating the 'World Teacher's' birthday: Seven must-know facts about Annie Besant

Popularly known as Annie Wood, Annie Besant was a reputed theosophist, women's rights activist, writer and orator. Born on 1 October, 1847, she actively advocated India's struggle for freedom.

On her 168th birthday, here are seven facts about the self-less figure:

1) After her separation with her husband over religious issues, Besant became a famous writer and a speaker for the National Secular Society (NSS). She was the leading speaker for the Fabian Society as well as the Marxist Social Democratic Federation (SDF). She was then selected to the London School Board for Tower.

2) She was actively involved in the London match girls strike in 1888. She set up a committee seeking better pay and conditions for the women. During the London Dock Strike in 1889, she participated in many important meetings and demonstrations conducted by the organisation.

3) She came to India in 1898 with her theosophy work. In 1902, she helped establish the Central Hindu College. After a few years, she was able to establish various lodges in several parts of the British Empire.After turning to Theosopy broke her links to the Fabian Society and the Marxists in 1890.

4) In 1907, Besant became the president of the Theosophical Society. She established the Theosophical Order of Service and the Sons of India in 1908.

5) In 1916, along with Lokmanya Tilak, she launched the Home Rule League. She was selected the first woman president of the Indian National Congress in 1917.

A potrait of Annie Besant clicked during November 1931 in the United Kingdom. Photo: Gamma Keystone/Getty Images

6) She was paid a public tribute at London in 1924, celebrating her focus on social works.

7) She was declared a World Teacher after her lecture on Theosophy in 1926 and was anointed president of the Theosophical Society for the fourth time in 1928.