Question

In which session of Indian national congress, the following resolutions were passed :
(I) Jawaharlal Nehru was elected as the President of Indian National Congress
(II) Proclamation of Poorna Swaraj
(III) Decided to celebrate 26 January, 1930 as Independence Day

• A. Bombay
• B. Karachi
• C. Madras
• D. Lahore

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Lahore

The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (1929)

• The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress was held in December 1929 in Lahore, British India (present-day Pakistan).
• It is considered one of the most significant sessions in the history of the Indian freedom struggle.

Key Resolutions and Decisions:

• I. Jawaharlal Nehru Elected President:
  • Jawaharlal Nehru was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress for this session. This was a crucial moment as it marked the rise of a younger, more radical leadership within the Congress, moving away from the more moderate stance of earlier leaders.
  • Mahatma Gandhi himself proposed Nehru's name for the presidency, symbolizing the transfer of leadership to the younger generation and the embrace of more assertive nationalist goals.
• II. Proclamation of Poorna Swaraj (Complete Independence):
  • The most pivotal resolution passed was the declaration of 'Poorna Swaraj' (Complete Independence) as the sole objective of the Indian National Congress.
  • This decision marked a radical shift from the previous demand for 'Dominion Status' within the British Empire, which was advocated in the Nehru Report (1928).
  • The resolution stated that India must sever all ties with British imperialism and achieve absolute political freedom.
• III. Decision to Celebrate January 26, 1930, as Independence Day:
  • Following the Poorna Swaraj resolution, the Congress decided to celebrate January 26, 1930, as 'Independence Day' (Purna Swaraj Day) throughout India.
  • On this day, a public pledge of independence was read out, signifying the nation's resolve to achieve complete freedom from British rule.
  • This date holds immense historical significance as it was later chosen for the enforcement of the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950, making India a Republic.

Context and Aftermath:

• The demand for Poorna Swaraj came after the failure of the British government to accept the Nehru Report's demand for Dominion Status by December 31, 1929.
• The Lahore Session also authorized the Congress Working Committee to launch a programme of Civil Disobedience, including non-payment of taxes, which eventually led to the famous Salt Satyagraha in 1930, led by Mahatma Gandhi.
• This session solidified the Congress's commitment to outright independence and set the stage for major nationalist movements in the 1930s.