Name the first lady President of the Indian National Congress.
Annie Besant
Understanding the Indian National Congress Presidency
The question asks to identify the first lady President of the Indian National Congress (INC). The Indian National Congress is one of the major political parties in India, and its presidency has been held by many prominent figures throughout history.
Let's look at the options provided:
- Nellie Sengupta
- Indira Gandhi
- Sarojini Naidu
- Annie Besant
Analyzing the Options for First Lady INC President
To determine the first lady President of the Indian National Congress, we need to consider the historical timeline of the INC sessions and their presidents.
- Annie Besant: An Irish-born British socialist, theosophist, and women's rights activist. She was actively involved in the Indian independence movement.
- Sarojini Naidu: Known as the "Nightingale of India," she was a prominent poet and freedom fighter.
- Indira Gandhi: The first and only female Prime Minister of India, she also served as the President of the Indian National Congress multiple times.
- Nellie Sengupta: An Englishwoman who became involved in the Indian independence movement through her husband J. M. Sengupta. She also served as the INC President.
Identifying the First Lady President
Historically, the first woman to preside over a session of the Indian National Congress was Annie Besant. She was elected as the President for the Calcutta Session held in 1917. This makes her the first lady President of the Indian National Congress.
While Sarojini Naidu is also a significant figure, she was the first Indian woman to become the President of the INC. She presided over the Kanpur Session in 1925, which was eight years after Annie Besant's presidency.
Nellie Sengupta was the third lady President, presiding over the Calcutta session in 1933.
Indira Gandhi served as INC President much later, after India's independence.
Therefore, based on the historical records of the Indian National Congress presidency, Annie Besant holds the distinction of being the first lady President.
| President | Year | Session Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annie Besant | 1917 | Calcutta | First lady President of INC |
| Sarojini Naidu | 1925 | Kanpur | First Indian lady President of INC |
| Nellie Sengupta | 1933 | Calcutta | Third lady President of INC |
The question specifically asks for the "first lady President," which refers to the first woman president, regardless of nationality. Annie Besant fits this description based on the year of her presidency (1917).
Conclusion: First Lady President of INC
Analyzing the options and historical facts, the first lady President of the Indian National Congress was Annie Besant.
Revision Table: Important INC Presidents
| President | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| W.C. Bonnerjee | 1885 | First President |
| Dadabhai Naoroji | 1886, 1893, 1906 | Known as the 'Grand Old Man of India' |
| Badruddin Tyabji | 1887 | First Muslim President |
| George Yule | 1888 | First English President |
| Annie Besant | 1917 | First lady President |
| Sarojini Naidu | 1925 | First Indian lady President |
| Jawaharlal Nehru | 1929, 1930, 1936, 1937, 1946, 1951-54 | Presided during Lahore Session (Purna Swaraj) |
| Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel | 1931 | Presided during Karachi Session |
Additional Information: Annie Besant and the Home Rule Movement
Annie Besant was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement, particularly known for her role in the Home Rule League. She established the Indian Home Rule League in 1916, advocating for self-government for India. Her presidency of the Indian National Congress in 1917 was a recognition of her significant contributions and influence at the time. She was a strong advocate for India's right to self-determination.
Important Questions from Foundation of the Indian National Congress
The first session of Indian National congress was held at .
How many delegates attended the first session of Congress in 1885?
Which British retired Civil Service Officer took the initiative to convene the first meeting of the Indian National Union?
The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay in _______ under the Presidentship of Womesh Chandra Banerjee.
_________ was the first president of Indian National Congress.
