Indian National Congress: First Session Delegates

The establishment of the Indian National Congress marked a pivotal moment in India's journey towards self-governance. Understanding the foundational aspects, such as the number of delegates present at its inaugural meeting, provides crucial insight into the early stages of organized political activity in India.

Delegates at the First Session

The correct number of delegates who attended the first session of the Indian National Congress was 72.

• The first session of the Indian National Congress was convened from December 28 to December 31, 1885.
• It was held in the city of Bombay (now known as Mumbai), specifically at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit Pathshala.
• The primary initiative for the formation of the Congress was taken by a retired British civil servant named Allan Octavian Hume, who is widely regarded as the 'Father of the Indian National Congress'.
• The inaugural session was presided over by Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee (W.C. Bonnerjee), who became its first president.
• The 72 delegates comprised prominent intellectuals, lawyers, journalists, and other public figures from various regions across India. Their gathering aimed to establish a unified platform for discussing the political and social challenges faced by Indians under British rule.
• The key objectives included fostering national unity, advocating for greater Indian representation in government administration, and addressing various public grievances.

Significance of the First Session

Despite the relatively modest number of delegates, the first session of the Indian National Congress was immensely significant. It laid the groundwork for what would become India's most influential political organization, ultimately leading the country to independence. This initial gathering symbolized the beginning of organized, national-level political activism in India, bringing together diverse leaders and nurturing a collective sense of national purpose and identity among educated Indians.