Naoroji

Dadabhai Naoroji was an influential Indian nationalist, scholar, and politician. Born in 1825 in Bombay (now Mumbai), he became a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement. Naoroji is widely regarded as the "Grand Old Man of India" for his long and dedicated service to the nation.

He was a key founding member of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885, advocating for greater Indian representation in the British government and self-rule. Naoroji spent a significant portion of his life in Britain, where he actively campaigned against British colonial policies. He was the first Indian to be elected to the British House of Commons, serving as a Member of Parliament from 1892 to 1895.

Naoroji developed the "drain theory," which argued that Britain was systematically extracting wealth from India through various economic policies, hindering India's development. This theory significantly influenced nationalist thought and the economic critique of British rule. His writings and speeches emphasized economic justice and political rights for Indians.

Throughout his career, Naoroji championed education and social reform, believing them to be crucial for India's progress. He passed away in 1917, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering leader who laid the groundwork for India's eventual independence.