Understanding Indian National Congress Sessions and Presidents

The question asks about the individual who served as the president for the second annual session of the Indian National Congress (INC). The Indian National Congress is a major political party in India with a long history dating back to its founding in 1885.

Each year, the INC held a session in different parts of the country, presided over by a different leader. Identifying the president for a specific session is key to understanding the early leadership of this significant organization.

President of the Second INC Session

The second session of the Indian National Congress was held in Calcutta in 1886, the year following its foundation. Historical records indicate that the president for this important session was none other than Dadabhai Naoroji.

Early Indian National Congress Presidents

To provide context and clarify the presidents of the initial sessions, let's look at the first few years:

Based on this information, it is clear that Dadabhai Naoroji presided over the second session held in 1886.

Analysis of Options

• Dadabhai Naoroji: He was the president of the second session (1886) and also presided over the INC sessions in 1893 and 1906.
• Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee: He was the first president of the Indian National Congress, presiding over the inaugural session in Bombay in 1885.
• Pherozeshah Mehta: He was a prominent leader and served as the INC president in 1890.
• George Yule: He was the first non-Indian to become the president of the Indian National Congress, presiding over the fourth session in 1888.

Comparing these facts with the options, Dadabhai Naoroji is confirmed as the president of the second session.

Revision Table: Key INC Sessions

Additional Information on Indian National Congress

The Indian National Congress was founded by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British Indian Civil Service officer, with the aim of creating a platform for civic and political dialogue among educated Indians. The early sessions were crucial in bringing together leaders from different parts of India and laying the groundwork for the nationalist movement. The presidents of these early sessions were influential figures who played significant roles in India's struggle for independence.

Dadabhai Naoroji, often referred to as the "Grand Old Man of India," was a prominent figure in the early INC. His presidency of the second session was part of his long and impactful career in Indian politics, both in India and Britain.