Dadabhai Naoroji declared at the ‘X’ session of Indian National Congr...
- The Extremist Programme Emboldened by Dadabhai Naoroji’s declaration at the Calcutta session (1906) that self-government or Swaraj was the Congress's goal, the Extremists gave a call for passive resistance in addition to swadeshi and boycott.
- This would include a boycott of government schools and colleges, government service, courts, legislative councils, municipalities, government titles, etc. to, as Aurobindo put it, ‘make the administration under present conditions impossible by an organized refusal to do anything which will help either the British commerce in the exploitation of the country or British officialdom in the administration of India.
- At the Calcutta session of the Congress in December 1906, the Moderate enthusiasm had cooled a bit because of the Extremists' popularity and the revolutionary terrorists and because of communal riots. Here, the Extremists wanted either Tilak or Lajpat Rai as the president, while the Moderates proposed the name of Dadabhai Naoroji, who was widely respected by all the nationalists.
- Finally, Dadabhai Naoroji was elected as the president and as a concession to the militants, the goal of the Indian National Congress was defined as swaraj or self-government of the United Kingdom or the colonies’.
Dadabhai Naoroji declared at the ‘X’ session of Indian National Congr...
Introduction to Dadabhai Naoroji's Declaration
In the history of the Indian National Congress, the declaration made by Dadabhai Naoroji at the Calcutta session in 1906 marked a significant turning point.
Calcutta Session (1906)
- Historical Context: This session was held from December 26, 1906, to January 1, 1907. It was a crucial period in the Indian freedom struggle.
- Naoroji's Speech: Dadabhai Naoroji, one of the founding members and a prominent leader, emphasized the need for self-government or Swaraj. His declaration set a clear objective for the Congress.
Importance of the Declaration
- Vision for India: By advocating for Swaraj, Naoroji articulated the aspirations of Indians for self-rule, which resonated deeply with the populace.
- Shift in Focus: This was a shift from merely demanding reforms within the British administration to seeking complete self-governance, laying the groundwork for future movements.
Subsequent Sessions and Impact
- Building Momentum: The Calcutta session's emphasis on Swaraj influenced subsequent sessions, including the Lucknow Session in 1916 and the Lahore Session in 1929, where the demand for self-rule intensified.
- Legacy: Naoroji's vision continued to inspire leaders and activists in the struggle for independence, making it a pivotal moment in the history of Indian nationalism.
In conclusion, Dadabhai Naoroji's declaration at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress in 1906 was a defining moment in the push for Swaraj, shaping the future trajectory of the Indian independence movement.
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