- Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, is often considered the founding father of the Indian National Congress (INC).
- A member of the Imperial Civil Service (ICS), Hume was concerned about the growing discontent among Indians under British rule.
- In 1883, Hume wrote an open letter to graduates of Calcutta University, urging them to form a political movement that would provide Indians with a platform to voice their concerns and grievances in an organized manner. He envisioned the organization as a “safety valve” for the rising Indian nationalism.
- Hume’s efforts led to the first session of the INC, which was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) from 28 to 31 December 1885.
- The INC was established to create a platform for Indians to discuss their political and social issues and to present their demands to the British government.
- The first president of the INC was Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee (also spelled Umesh Chandra Banerjee), a prominent lawyer from Bengal.
- The INC’s initial goals were moderate and reformist, rather than focused on independence. The party aimed for:
- Greater representation of Indians in legislative councils.
- Reduction of taxes and government expenditure.
- Civil liberties and administrative reforms.
- The INC aimed to foster national unity, bringing together Indians across regions, religions, and languages, with the emphasis on creating a unified national identity.
- The first session was attended by 72 delegates, including prominent leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Dinshaw Wacha, and Pherozeshah Mehta.
- The session marked the beginning of organized political activity in India and laid the foundation for the nationalist movement, which would later demand full independence from British rule.
- Hume’s role in the formation of the INC was instrumental. Although some Indian leaders later criticized the INC’s early approach as being too accommodating to British interests, Hume’s efforts were key in bringing together Indian leaders and advocating for political reforms.
- Over time, the INC evolved from a reformist organization into a mass movement demanding Swaraj (self-rule), particularly under the leadership of figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose.
- Allan Octavian Hume, a British civil servant, played a crucial role in the establishment of the Indian National Congress (INC).
- In 1883, Hume urged graduates of Calcutta University to form a political body, which led to the first session of the INC in Bombay in December 1885.
- The INC’s early goals centered on political reforms and representation, which eventually laid the groundwork for India’s freedom movement.
