Dadabhai Naoroji laid the foundation for the Indian freedom struggle. He was fondly known as ‘The Grand Old Man of India’. He sacrificed his career and family for the country. Dadabhai's methods for justice were always non-violent and constitutional.
Dadabhai was born on September 4, 1825 in a poor Parsi family in Bombay (now Mumbai). He distinguished himself in his studies. Dadabhai was appointed the Head Native Assistant Master at the Elphinstone Institution (in Mumbai) and went on to become the first Indian Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy.
Dadabhai started his political life in 1852. He felt the need to educate the Indian masses of their rights. He set up the ‘Dnyan Prasarak Mandali’ (Society for Promotion of Knowledge) for adult education. He petitioned the British Governors and Viceroys on India's problems. To increase the awareness of India in Britain, Dadabhai resigned his professorship and went to England.
He founded the East Indian Association in England, on December 1, 1866, which comprised of high ranking officers from India and people who had contact with Members of the British Parliament, thus becoming the unofficial ambassador of India. Dadabhai was elected to the British Parliament in 1892 from Central Finsbury as the Liberal party candidate. He facilitated the simultaneous examination of the Indian Civil Service (ICS) in both India and England. But for all these achievements, it was painful on the personal side. Dadabhai lost his only son and mother while he was in England.
Dadabhai became the Prime Minister of Mulharrao Gaekwar, the Maharaja of Baroda, in 1874, in order to restore order in the state. Dadabhai played an important role in the establishment of the Indian National Congress (INC) founded by AO Hume. Dadabhai avoided a split in the party, by pacifying the rival members. This wise old leader died at the age of 92 on June 30, 1917.
