The 1920 Indian National Congress Session- Unveiling the Historical Venue of the Landmark Event
Where was the Indian National Congress session held in 1920? The answer to this question takes us back to the historic city of Calcutta, now known as Kolkata. In the year 1920, the Indian National Congress (INC) held its annual session at the prestigious Beliaghata Maidan, a public ground located in the heart of the city. This session marked a significant turning point in the struggle for Indian independence from British rule.
The 1920 session of the Indian National Congress was a pivotal moment in the Indian freedom movement. It was during this session that the INC adopted the Non-Cooperation Movement, a strategy of civil disobedience and non-violent resistance against British rule. The movement was aimed at achieving Swaraj (self-rule) for India and was led by Mahatma Gandhi, who had become the leader of the INC in 1921.
The session was attended by a large number of delegates from across India, representing various regions and communities. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of determination and hope, as the participants discussed the future of India and the best ways to achieve independence. The Beliaghata Maidan, with its vast open space, provided an ideal venue for the gathering, allowing the delegates to hold meetings, speeches, and protests.
The Non-Cooperation Movement, which was launched in 1920, was a significant departure from the previous policy of the INC. It involved boycotts of British institutions, such as schools, colleges, and law courts, as well as the British government. The movement also encouraged the use of Indian goods and the promotion of Indian industries. This strategy was intended to weaken the British economy and undermine their hold on India.
The Non-Cooperation Movement was met with fierce resistance from the British authorities, who arrested thousands of participants, including Mahatma Gandhi. Despite the government’s efforts to suppress the movement, it gained widespread support among the Indian population, both in urban and rural areas. The movement played a crucial role in awakening the national consciousness and fostering a sense of unity among the people of India.
The 1920 session of the Indian National Congress, held at the Beliaghata Maidan in Calcutta, remains a significant milestone in the history of India’s struggle for independence. It was a gathering of leaders and thinkers who were determined to bring about a change in the political landscape of the country. The Non-Cooperation Movement, which was launched during this session, marked the beginning of a new era in the Indian freedom struggle, one that would eventually lead to the country’s independence in 1947.
