First president of Indian National Congress
VerifiedAnswer: Vyomesh Chandra Banerjee
Explanation:
Vyomesh Chandra Banerjee became the first president of the Indian National Congress when the organization was founded in 1885. This historic moment marked the beginning of organized political movement in India during the British colonial period.
Born in 1844 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), Vyomesh Chandra Banerjee was a distinguished lawyer and social reformer. He completed his education at Presidency College in Calcutta and later went to England to study law. After returning to India, he established himself as a successful barrister and became deeply involved in public affairs and social causes.
The Indian National Congress was founded by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, along with several prominent Indian leaders. The first session was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) from December 28 to 30, 1885, at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College. During this inaugural session, 72 delegates from different parts of India participated, representing various communities and regions.
As the first president, Banerjee delivered an important inaugural address that outlined the objectives and aspirations of the newly formed organization. The early goals of the Congress were relatively moderate and focused on constitutional reforms, greater Indian participation in government services, and economic development. The organization aimed to serve as a platform for Indians to voice their concerns and demands to the British government in a peaceful and constitutional manner.
Banerjee's leadership during the formative years of the Congress was crucial in establishing its credibility and setting the tone for future political discourse in India. His legal background and moderate approach helped gain respect from both Indian intellectuals and some sympathetic British officials. He believed in working within the existing system to achieve gradual reforms and improvements for the Indian people.
The significance of Vyomesh Chandra Banerjee's role extends beyond just being the first president. His presidency marked the beginning of organized nationalist politics in India, which would eventually evolve into the independence movement. The Indian National Congress, under his initial guidance, became the primary political platform that would later produce leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and many others who led India to independence in 1947.
