On December 28, 1885, a momentous chapter unfolded in India’s history—the birth of the Indian National Congress (INC) at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay. Bringing together 72 delegates, this event marked the genesis of a movement that would resonate through the ages. Charles Allan Hume, assuming the role of General Secretary, collaborated with Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee, the elected president from Calcutta, initiating a transformative journey shaping the destiny of a nation aspiring for emancipation.
This assembly of visionaries included not only Indians but also two British figures—William Wedderburn and Justice John Jardine, Scottish civil servants. Their presence symbolized a collaborative endeavor, a fusion of voices advocating for change and progress in a land yearning for autonomy.
From 1885 to 1905, the INC conveyed its aspirations through resolutions during annual sessions, serving as a compass guiding its trajectory toward civil, administrative, constitutional, and economic reforms.
Civil Rights stood as the cornerstone of the Congress’s agenda, with leaders fervently championing fundamental liberties—freedom of speech, press, assembly, and peaceful protest. These rights, they believed, formed the bedrock of a just and emancipated society.
In the realm of Administration, Congress vehemently opposed malpractices, advocating for Indian representation in government services and the establishment of agricultural banks to alleviate the plight of the peasantry. The leaders adamantly opposed discriminatory laws, vocalizing their dissent against biased governance.
Constitutional reforms became a pivotal discourse, with Congress striving to amplify the powers of legislative councils and urging the inclusion of elected Indian representatives. However, the British government’s indifference stood as a stark testament to the challenges in effecting substantial constitutional changes.
Economically, the Congress critiqued British policies, attributing rising property prices and economic woes to their governance. Proposals for industrial modernization, Indianization of public services, and the abolition of the salt tax—aimed at uplifting the impoverished—formed the crux of their economic agenda.
The legacy of the Indian National Congress extends beyond resolutions; it embodies the resilience and unity of a diverse populace rallying for a common cause. Its early years laid the groundwork for a relentless pursuit of freedom, equality, and self-determination—a pursuit resonating through India’s rich tapestry of history.
In retrospect, the INC’s foundational years serve as a testament to the power of collective action, an everlasting beacon inspiring generations to uphold the values of democracy, justice, and progress. The Congress’s journey from its nascent stage in 1885 reverberates as an indelible chapter, reminding us that the spirit of unity and determination can surmount even the most formidable obstacles on the path to societal transformation and progress.
