Indian National Congress First President: Historical Context

The Indian National Congress (INC) is one of the oldest political organizations in India, founded during the British colonial era. Understanding its early leadership is crucial for grasping the trajectory of India's independence movement. This involves identifying the very first person to hold the prestigious position of its president.

Who Presided Over the First INC Session?

The first President of the Indian National Congress was W.C. Bonnerjee. He held this significant position during the INC's inaugural session held in December 1885.

Details of the Inaugural INC Session

The establishment of the Indian National Congress marked a pivotal moment in Indian political history. Here are the key details about its first meeting:

• Date: The first session took place from December 28th to December 30th, 1885.
• Location: It was held in Bombay (now Mumbai), specifically at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College.
• Attendees: The session was attended by 72 delegates from across India, including prominent lawyers, teachers, journalists, and social reformers.
• Role of A.O. Hume: While W.C. Bonnerjee served as the president, Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, played a crucial role in the formation and initial organization of the INC. He is often considered its founder.
• Objective: The initial aim was to provide a platform for civil and political dialogue between educated Indians and the British Raj, advocating for reforms and greater participation of Indians in governance.

Understanding the INC Presidential Role

The President of the Indian National Congress is the elected head of the party. Historically, the role has been held by many prominent leaders. The first presidency, held by W.C. Bonnerjee, set the precedent for the organization's leadership structure.

Analysis of Other Key Figures

Let's look at the other individuals mentioned in the options and their association with the INC:

• W.C. Bonnerjee: As established, he was the first President of the INC in 1885. He was a prominent lawyer from Calcutta and presided over the first session, guiding the initial deliberations.
• Dadabhai Naoroji: A highly respected leader and intellectual, Dadabhai Naoroji served as President of the INC on three separate occasions (1886, 1893, and 1906). He was a key figure in advocating for Swaraj (self-rule).
• Surendranath Banerjee: A renowned political activist and orator, Surendranath Banerjee was a prominent leader in the early nationalist movement. While he was a key figure, he served as INC President later, in 1895 and 1902. He was also instrumental in founding the Indian National Association before the INC's formation.
• A.O. Hume: A retired British Indian Civil Service officer, A.O. Hume was the driving force behind the formation of the INC in 1885. He served as the General Secretary for many years but never as the President.

Conclusion on the First INC President

Based on historical records, the honour of being the first President of the Indian National Congress belongs to W.C. Bonnerjee, who presided over the landmark inaugural session in Bombay in 1885.