Explanation: The Indian National Congress (INC) was established in 1885 as a platform for Indian political leaders to voice their concerns and demands to the British colonial government. The first session of the INC was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) in December 1885, marking the beginning of a significant political movement in India.
W C Bonnerjee, a prominent Indian lawyer and political activist, was elected as the first president of the Indian National Congress at this inaugural session. Bonnerjee's presidency was a symbolic step towards the organization's goal of uniting Indians under a common political platform to fight for their rights and eventually for independence from British rule.
It is important to distinguish between the roles of different individuals in the early history of the INC. A O Hume, a British civil servant, played a crucial role in the formation of the INC by providing organizational support and encouragement to Indian leaders. However, he was not the first president of the INC. Hume's involvement was more instrumental in the initial stages of the organization's formation.
Dadabhai Naoroji, often referred to as the "Grand Old Man of India," was a significant figure in the INC and served as its president multiple times, including in 1886, the year following the first session. Naoroji was a key figure in the early political movements and was known for his advocacy of Indian rights and his role in the INC's early years.
M K Gandhi, or Mahatma Gandhi, joined the Indian National Congress much later in 1919 and became a pivotal figure in the Indian independence movement. He served as the president of the INC several times, but he was not the first president.
Understanding the roles and contributions of these individuals is crucial for comprehending the early history of the Indian National Congress and the broader context of India's struggle for independence. W C Bonnerjee's presidency at the first session of the INC in 1885 marks the beginning of a significant political movement that would eventually lead to India's independence in 1947.