(By Aryavart International University, India)
K.Vijay Kumar
Vol. 7, Issue 1, Jan-Jun 2019
Abstract:
The Indian National Congress (INC) played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence, uniting the nation against British colonial rule. Founded in 1885, the INC evolved from a reformist organization to a mass movement, employing nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience to demand self-governance. Under the leadership of iconic figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose, the INC mobilized millions of Indians, shaping the country's path to independence. This study examines the INC's contributions to India's freedom struggle, highlighting its key movements, leadership, and legacy in shaping the nation's history. The INC brought together people from diverse backgrounds, regions, and communities, fostering a sense of national unity and collective identity. Through various movements and campaigns, the INC demanded self-rule and independence from British colonial rule, mobilizing millions of Indians in the process. The INC, under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership, adopted nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience as key strategies, inspiring a nation-wide movement for independence. The INC organized several mass movements, including the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement, which significantly contributed to the independence struggle. The INC engaged in critical negotiations with the British government, ultimately securing Indian independence in 1947. The INC's efforts laid the foundation for a democratic and independent nation, influencing India's constitutional framework and guiding the country through its early years of independence.