Womanhood of India has stood courageously with the warriors, rebellions, and the national army to share the sacrifices and victories of the India’s freedom struggle. Many women including Indira Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Kamla Nehru, Kasturba Gandhi, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, and Madam Cama have martyred their lives to win India complete freedom.
Besides from these women and may others, there are some of the foreign women who have played an influential role in the freedom struggle. These noble souls came to India in search of spirituality and peace but later on, they started venturing into the social issues of the country. They felt the need to keep the civilization, philosophy, culture, and spirituality of the country alive. With this they all actively participated in the independence movement during which they dedicated their lives to the country.
Some of the foreign women who served the country with their lives are:
Sister Nivedita
She was greatly influenced by the philosophical beliefs of Swami Vivekananda and Hindu religion. She was born on October 28, 1867 in Ireland and in 1898 she visited India to get an answer to her search of truth. She became the disciple of Swami Vivekananda who gave her the name Nivedita, which means someone who is dedicated to God.
Dr. Annie Besant
Annie Besant was an Irish lady who strongly supported India for everything. In the year 1902 when she visited London she criticized England for all the bad conditions prevailing in India. She also brought into effect the Home Rule League and in 1914 joined the Indian National Congress. This great leader was born in 1847 in London in an Irish family. Her father died at a very young age and later on her mother failed to bring her up. So her mother decided to persuade her friend Ellen Marryat to care of Annie. Marryat made her learn all the aspects of life and society.
Meera Ben and Sarla Ben
Meera Ben and Sarla Ben are renowned worldwide as Mahatama Gandhi’s two English daughters who showed undying devotion to the country. To support the campaign of Mahatma Gandhi Meera Ben spread the words through press and also undertook the Khadi tour throughout the country. Sarla Ben visited many villages to help families who are in need and those whose men are imprisoned for a noble cause of earning India freedom.
