Congress celebrates 141st foundation day asserting it's role in Independence and nation building

The recent celebration of the Indian National Congress's 141st Foundation Day by the Telangana Congress chief, Mahesh Kumar Goud, serves as a poignant reminder of the party's indelible mark on India's history. Far from being a mere political event, it underscores the profound historical trajectory of an organization that was instrumental in shaping the destiny of a nation.

The genesis of the Indian National Congress (INC) on December 28, 1885, in Bombay (now Mumbai) at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, emerged from a complex interplay of factors during the late 19th century British Raj. India was experiencing the stirrings of a new political consciousness among its educated elite. Regional associations like the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, the Indian Association, and the Madras Mahajan Sabha had already begun articulating Indian grievances, but there was a palpable need for a pan-Indian platform to unify these voices. It was in this backdrop that Allan Octavian Hume (A.O. Hume), a retired British civil servant, took the initiative to establish the INC. While the official narrative often credits Hume with noble intentions, historians have also put forth the 'Safety Valve Theory,' suggesting that the British government, through Hume, sought to create an outlet for growing Indian discontent, thereby preventing a more violent uprising similar to the Revolt of 1857.

The first session, presided over by Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee (W.C. Bonnerjee), saw 72 delegates from across India gather to discuss various issues. Initially, the Congress was dominated by moderate leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Their methods were largely constitutional, focusing on petitions, prayers, and protests (the '3Ps') to demand administrative reforms, greater Indian representation in legislative councils, and an end to economic exploitation. These leaders, though sometimes criticized for their limited demands, laid the groundwork for a broader nationalist movement by fostering national unity and articulating a coherent critique of British rule.

For India, the significance of the INC is multifaceted and profound. It served as the primary vehicle for the Indian freedom struggle, evolving from a moderate pressure group to a mass movement under leaders like Mahatma Gandhi. From the Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908) to the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34), and finally the Quit India Movement (1942), the Congress galvanized millions, uniting diverse communities under the banner of independence. Its Lahore Session in 1929, under Jawaharlal Nehru, famously declared 'Purna Swaraj' (complete independence) as its goal, marking a decisive shift in its objectives.

Post-independence, the Congress continued its dominant role, steering India through its formative years of nation-building. It largely shaped the vision of modern India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic, principles enshrined in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. The Constituent Assembly, responsible for drafting the Constitution (1946-1949), was overwhelmingly composed of Congress members, reflecting its central role in defining India's constitutional framework. Key constitutional provisions such as Universal Adult Franchise (Article 326), fundamental rights (Part III), and directive principles of state policy (Part IV) bear the imprint of the ideals championed by the Congress during the freedom struggle. Its policies, particularly in the Nehruvian era, laid the foundation for India's mixed economy, non-aligned foreign policy, and a robust democratic system.

The historical legacy of the Congress is a subject of ongoing debate in contemporary Indian politics. While its foundational role in achieving independence and establishing democratic institutions is undeniable, its long periods of power have also drawn criticism. Nevertheless, its endurance as a national political party, even in its current role as a significant opposition force, speaks to its deep roots in India's political consciousness. The future implications for India involve a continued reassessment of its historical contributions and its evolving role in a multi-party democratic landscape, where regional parties and other national players increasingly challenge its traditional dominance. Understanding the INC's journey is crucial not just for historical knowledge but for comprehending the very fabric of India's political and constitutional identity.