Jamshedpur: The East Singhbhum District Congress Committee celebrated the 140th Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour at the district party office in Jamshedpur. On the occasion, District Congress President Parvinder Singh hoisted the Congress party flag bearing the charkha symbol and led party workers in celebrating the historic day.
The programme witnessed the collective singing of Vande Mataram, the party flag song, and the national anthem Jana Gana Mana, creating an atmosphere of pride and unity among Congress members.
Addressing the gathering, District President Parvinder Singh said that December 28 marks the historic establishment of the Indian National Congress in 1885, a moment that ignited the struggle for India's dignity, freedom, and self-rule. He said that for 140 years, Congress has remained the heartbeat of the nation, forging unity in diversity and leading India from colonial subjugation to sovereign pride. Recalling the party's journey of sacrifice, vision, and unwavering commitment, he urged party workers to uphold these ideals and work towards building a brighter and stronger India.
Highlighting the glorious legacy of the Congress, he said the party was founded in Mumbai by pioneers such as Allan Octavian Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Surendranath Banerjee as a powerful voice against British exploitation. From initial demands for reforms and economic justice, the Congress evolved into a strong movement for self-rule under leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai. Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, it became a mass movement based on non-violence, uniting millions across caste and creed and laying the foundation of India's democratic consciousness.
Parvinder Singh also recalled the decisive role of the Congress in the freedom struggle through movements such as Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, sparked by the Dandi March, the declaration of Purna Swaraj in 1929, and the Quit India Movement of 1942 with the slogan "Do or Die". He said the Congress also supported the spirit of global freedom, including the efforts of Subhas Chandra Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj, ultimately leading to India's independence in 1947 and demonstrating the power of peaceful resistance to the world.
Speaking on nation-building after independence, he said the Congress played a key role in framing the Constitution of India, drafted under the chairmanship of Rajendra Prasad and guided by Jawaharlal Nehru, with B R Ambedkar as the chief architect. The Constitution enshrined fundamental rights, secularism and social justice, abolished untouchability and strengthened national unity, reflecting Mahatma Gandhi's inclusive vision. He also credited Sardar Patel for integrating princely states into the Indian Union.
He added that Congress leaders laid the foundation of modern India through five-year plans, large dams, and premier institutions like IITs. The Green Revolution under Lal Bahadur Shastri ensured food security, while Indira Gandhi's bank nationalisation and 'Garibi Hatao' programmes empowered the poor. Rajiv Gandhi ushered in the IT revolution, and later reforms under Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh opened India to the global economy. Welfare initiatives such as RTI, MGNREGA and the Right to Education during the UPA era transformed lives and strengthened inclusive development.
On the occasion, tributes were paid to martyrs including Lala Lajpat Rai, Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi for their supreme sacrifices for the nation.
During the programme, senior leaders Sardar Mahendra Singh, Ramashray Prasad, Ashok Chaudhary, Riyazuddin Khan, Ravindra Kumar Jha and L B Singh were honoured with medals for their outstanding service to the Congress party. Several young Congress leaders were also felicitated by being presented with Gandhi caps.
The programme was conducted and managed by Sanjay Singh Azad and Brajendra Tiwari. A large number of senior leaders, office bearers, women leaders and workers of the Congress party were present, making the celebration a grand success.