Many non-Indians coming from various parts of the world had a very sensitive outlook towards the concerns of India. They participated and contributed in various ways to India’s freedom struggle. The prominent ones are:
Annie Besant
- She was an Irish woman, who came to India as a part of the Theosophical society.
- Central Hindu School at Benaras which later became Banaras Hindu university.
- She demanded self-rule for India, without waiting for the end of World War I.
- Set up the All-India Home Rule League in 1916 to appeal for self-government in India.
- Spread her ideas through New India and Commonweal.
- President of the Congress session in 1917.
Margaret Elizabeth Noble (Sister Nivedita)
- Joined Swami Vivekananda’s Ramakrishna Mission.
- Later she criticized the racial policies of the British.
- Helped during Bengal famine, and plague epidemics and worked for the upliftment of women.
Nalini Sengupta
- Came to India after marrying Jatindra Mohan Sengupta.
- Actively participated in boycotts & non-cooperation movements, arrested several times.
- Was elected unopposed to Bengal legislative assembly.
Charles Freer Andrews
- Extended his wholehearted support to the freedom struggle and criticized the British for their unjust and racial policies.
- He championed the rights of labourers, railway workers and cotton weavers and actively worked with BR Ambedkar for Harijan demands, campaigning against untouchability.
- Gandhi gave the title of “Dinbandhu” for his compassion for the poor.
- Even negotiated with the government in England for Gandhi’s release from prison.
Miraben (Madelein Slade)
- She got influenced by Gandhian philosophy & later joined Sabarmati Ashram and took part in Gandhi’s socio-political campaigns.
- Authored many articles for Young India, Harijan, Stateman, Times of India and Hindustan Times.
- Played a major role in setting up Seva gram near Wardha.
- Accompanied Gandhi to the Round table conference in London.
Satyanand Stokes
- His real name was Samuel Evans Stokes. He fought against labour exploitation in the Shimla hills.
- Only American to attend the Congress session in Nagpur (1920) and only foreigner to sign the Congress manifesto in 1921 that called upon Indians to give up government service and join the freedom movement.
Sarala Ben
- Disciples of Gandhi. Worked as a social worker, set up an ashram in Uttarakhand, and helped the families of political prisoners