Dadabhai Naoroji (1825-1917)

• Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the Grand Old Man of India, served India for 61 years—40 years before the foundation of the Indian National Congress and 21 years after.

• He was permanently settled in England and was elected a member of the House of Commons from an English constituency.

• For a time, he was the Prime Minister of Baroda and founded the British Indian Society in England to promote India’s cause.

• He was elected President of Congress thrice: in 1886, 1893, and 1906.

• His election in 1893 was significant after being elected to the House of Commons; he urged the British not to drive educated Indians into opposition but instead draw them to their side.

• He believed that the Congress represented the aristocracy of intellect and hoped the British would uphold justice and fellow-citizenship.

• In 1906, he became President of Congress again, as the Moderates felt he would not be opposed by the Extremists during the unrest in the country.

• Anti-Partition agitation was strong at that time, and the Swadeshi and Boycott movements were popular.

• Despite this, Naoroji still believed in the justice of the British and saw a future of mutual respect.

• In his 1906 presidential address, he argued that if Indians were true to their country and made sacrifices, the British would act justly.

• He was the first to demand Swaraj (self-government) on the Congress platform, in his 1906 address.

• He said, “We do not ask for favours. We want only justice. The matter can be summed up in one word: self-government or Swaraj, like that of the United Kingdom or the colonies.”

• During his presidency in 1906, four key resolutions were passed by Congress: self-government, boycott movement, Swadeshi, and national education.

• Naoroji was the first to highlight the drain of India’s wealth to Great Britain through his famous book, Poverty and Un-British Rule in India.

• He pointed out that British rule was a continuous plunder of India’s resources, unlike past invasions that allowed time for recovery.

• He noted how military expenditure increased, especially in the military budget, which rose from Rs. 17 to 32 crores.

• According to Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramayya, Naoroji was among the first Indian leaders to serve Congress from its inception, taking it from an organization seeking administrative redress to one focused on Swaraj.

• Naoroji worked incessantly for India’s uplift and lived a dedicated life, leaving behind a legacy maintained by his granddaughters.

• C. Y. Chintamani praised Naoroji for his selflessness, vitality of faith, and his ability to serve India through both favorable and adverse circumstances.

• Naoroji’s life embodied personal character and public service, setting an example for others to follow.

• Gokhale referred to Naoroji as embodying the divine in man, highlighting his extraordinary personal and public qualities.