Where was the first session of the Indian National Congress held? This question holds significant historical importance as it marks the beginning of the Indian independence movement. The first session of the Indian National Congress (INC) took place on December 28, 1885, in Mumbai, then known as Bombay, under the presidency of W.C. Banerjee. This landmark event laid the foundation for the struggle against British colonial rule in India.
The Indian National Congress was formed with the aim of uniting the diverse regions and communities of India under a common platform to fight for their rights and freedom. The initial session was attended by a small group of delegates representing various parts of the Indian subcontinent. The gathering was organized by Allan Octavian Hume, a British civil servant who recognized the need for a national platform to address the growing concerns of the Indian population.
The first session of the Indian National Congress was a modest affair, held at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit School in Mumbai. The venue was chosen due to its proximity to the city’s major railway station, making it accessible to delegates from different parts of India. The delegates gathered to discuss issues such as the economic condition of the country, the educational system, and the need for a national movement to fight against British colonial rule.
During the session, the delegates adopted the famous “Lokmanya Tilak Resolution,” which declared the need for the Indian people to unite and work together to achieve independence. The resolution emphasized the importance of economic, social, and political reforms and called for the formation of a strong national organization to represent the interests of the Indian population.
The first session of the Indian National Congress played a crucial role in shaping the future of India’s struggle for independence. It brought together a diverse group of leaders and thinkers who would later become the pillars of the Indian independence movement. Prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal were among the delegates who attended the session and contributed to the formation of the INC.
In conclusion, the first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Mumbai on December 28, 1885. This event marked the beginning of a long and arduous journey towards India’s independence. The session provided a platform for the Indian people to unite and fight against British colonial rule, setting the stage for the remarkable achievements that would follow in the years to come.
