Formation of Indian National Congress from "summary" of The Story of India's Freedom Movement by Nayantara Sahgal
The formation of Indian National Congress was an important event in the history of India's struggle for freedom. It was a group of influential individuals who believed that Indians should have a say in the governance of their own country and established a platform to push for their demands.- The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 by a Briton, A.O. Hume, as a platform for members of the Indian public to voice their concerns about Britain's political involvement in India.
- After its formation in 1885, the Indian National Congress quickly grew in size, holding regular meetings and electing its own leadership to guide its progress. Its organisational committee included many influential figures including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Subash Chandra Bose.
- In its earliest days, the Indian National Congress was largely composed of lawyers and moderates with the idea that working co-operatively with the British government towards achieving autonomy was the most sensible option for India.
- The goal of the INC was to bring together people from various social backgrounds and religions so they could have a discussion and find common solutions to their mutual problems. This organisation ultimately led the way towards India's independence from British rule.
- During India's struggle for independence, the Indian National Congress used a variety of strategies, from peaceful, non-violent protests to civil disobedience initiatives and even campaigns of armed revolt. This strategy paid off in 1947 when the British finally withdrew and India gained independence.
- The movement for Indian self-rule was solidified through the establishment of the Indian National Congress. While the first goal of the organisation was to negotiate autonomy, it later shifted focus to striving for full independence. Today this organisation is no longer just a political juggernaut but a symbol of national pride and unity.
- This approach changed over time as the more radical factions within INC began to gain influence and the push for complete independence became the organization's clear goal.
