The founder of the Indian National Congress (INC) was A.O. Hume.

Background:
- The Indian National Congress was established in 1885 as a political party aimed at representing the interests of Indians under British colonial rule.
- At that time, India was under the control of the British East India Company, and the people of India faced various social, economic, and political challenges.

A.O. Hume:
- Allan Octavian Hume, commonly known as A.O. Hume, was a retired British civil servant.
- He had served in various administrative roles in India and was well aware of the issues faced by the people.
- After retiring from his government position, Hume became interested in Indian politics and social reforms.
- He believed that the Indians needed a platform to voice their concerns and work towards their betterment.

Formation of the Indian National Congress:
- In 1883, A.O. Hume proposed the idea of forming a political organization that would represent the Indian population to the British government.
- He believed that such an organization would provide a platform for Indians to discuss their grievances, promote political awareness, and foster unity among different communities.
- Hume's proposal gained support from prominent Indian leaders, intellectuals, and social reformers, leading to the formation of the Indian National Congress on December 28, 1885, in Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay (now Mumbai).

Objective and Early Years:
- The Indian National Congress aimed to achieve various objectives, including representation of Indian interests, promotion of political rights, and social reforms.
- During its early years, the INC focused on issues such as land rights, protection of civil liberties, and political representation for Indians.
- Dadabhai Naoroji, a prominent Indian leader, became the president of the first session of the Indian National Congress.

Role of A.O. Hume:
- A.O. Hume played a crucial role in the establishment of the Indian National Congress.
- He acted as the chief organizer and secretary of the party during its early years.
- Hume's vision for the organization was to create a platform for Indians to work towards self-governance and social progress.
- He worked towards ensuring that the Indian National Congress remained a broad-based organization, inclusive of people from different regions, religions, and backgrounds.

Conclusion:
- A.O. Hume's efforts and vision led to the formation of the Indian National Congress, which played a significant role in India's struggle for independence.