Dadabhai Naoroji's Life and Work

Dadabhai Naoroji's Life and Work

• Dadabhai Naoroji was born in Bombay, India, in 1825.
• He was raised by his mother, Maneckbai, after his father passed away when he was young.
• He excelled in his studies, displaying exceptional intelligence, particularly in mathematics.
• He received his higher education at the Elphinstone Institution in Bombay.
• He became the first Indian professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at Elphinstone Institution.
• He believed in social reform and women's rights.
• Dadabhai established free literacy classes for girls in 1849, despite facing resistance from traditional communities.
• He persistently campaigned for education for girls, leading to the development of girls' schools, ultimately changing social norms, and receiving recognition from the Governor of Bombay.
• His work was celebrated as a crucial milestone in the history of education in the Bombay Presidency.
• He actively challenged other forms of social injustice faced by women in India at the time.
• He established the Dnyan Prasarak Mandali (Society for Promotion of Knowledge) for the education of adult men.
• He also worked to empower the Parsi community by starting a newspaper called "Rast Goftar" (The Voice of Truth).
• In 1855, he traveled to England to work as a successful businessman while advocating for Indian rights.
• He became an influential member of the East India Association, advocating for Indian self-rule.
• He founded the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885.
• He played a key role in the Indian independence movement and fought against colonial exploitation through economic analysis and political advocacy.
• He is known as the "Grand Old Man of India" for his unwavering dedication to India's freedom.
• He passed away in 1917 at the age of 92.

Dadabhai Naoroji: Early Life and Education

• Born on September 4, 1825, in a poor Parsi family in Bombay.
• His father, Naoroji Palanji Dordi, died when he was four years old.
• His mother, Maneckbai, raised him despite being illiterate herself.
• Exhibited exceptional intelligence and skill in mental arithmetic at school.
• Received higher education at the Elphinstone Institution in Bombay, excelling in English and Mathematics.
• Professor Orlebar, his teacher, called him "the promise of India."
• Sir Erskine Perry, the Chief Justice of Bombay, offered to pay for his studies in England, but it was declined due to concerns about his conversion to Christianity.
• Became the first Indian to hold the post of Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at the Elphinstone Institution.

Dadabhai Naoroji: Social Reformer

• Believed in the equality of men and women.
• Started free literacy classes for girls in Marathi and Gujarati in 1849, facing initial resistance from orthodox society.
• Established the Dnyan Prasarak Mandali (Society for Promotion of Knowledge) for the education of adult men.
• Founded various organizations including the Widow Remarriage Association, Parsi Gymnasium, and Temperance Societies.
• Established the fortnightly journal Rast Guftar (Truth Teller) in Gujarati to promote progressive ideas.

Dadabhai Naoroji: Political Activism

• Played a leading role in opposing the renewal of the East India Company's charter in 1852.
• Co-founded the Bombay Association, the first political organization in Bombay Presidency.
• Became the first Indian member of the Imperial Parliament in 1892, representing Central Finsbury.
• Established himself as a mature parliamentarian, speaking on issues relating to currency, exchange, and finance.
• Advocate for Indians in South Africa and Indian students in England.
• Secured a resolution for holding the preliminary examination for the I.C.S. simultaneously in India and England.
• Appointed to the Royal Commission on Indian expenditure (Wilby Commission) in 1895, advocating for a fairer distribution of administrative and military expenditure between England and India.

Dadabhai Naoroji: Retirement and Legacy

• Retired from active public life in 1907, despite his ongoing fight for self-rule.
• Continued to be consulted on political and economic issues relating to India.
• Revered as the "Grand Old Man of India" for his selfless patriotism and commitment to India's welfare.
• Advocate of non-violent and constitutional methods for achieving Indian independence.
• Founded numerous voluntary organizations in India and England.
• His perseverance and undaunted spirit in challenging British rule garnered respect from both friends and adversaries.