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Syed Hasan Imam
92nd Death Anniversary of Freedom Fighter Syed Hasan Imam
Syed Hasan Imam (31 August 1871 – 19 April 1933) was a distinguished Indian barrister, nationalist leader, and freedom fighter. Born in Neora, Patna district, Bihar, he belonged to a prominent, educated family and was the younger brother of Sir Ali Imam. He was renowned as one of the finest barristers in British India and actively participated in the national movement from the early 20th century.
Presidency of the Indian National Congress:
Syed Hasan Imam became the President of the Indian National Congress during its special session held in Bombay in September 1918. He was the fourth Muslim to hold this position, following Badruddin Tyabji, Rahimtulla M. Sayani, and Nawab Syed Muhammad Bahadur.
Major Developments of the 1918 Congress Session:
- The 1918 Bombay special session was convened primarily to deliberate on the Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms Scheme, which proposed constitutional reforms for India.
- The session was marked by sharp divisions within the Congress regarding the merits of the reforms.
- Syed Hasan Imam played a crucial moderating role, striving to maintain unity between the differing factions and urging for a balanced approach. He emphasised the importance of Hindu-Muslim unity and cautioned that communal discord would hinder the struggle for freedom.
Other Contributions to India’s Freedom Movement:
- Syed Hasan Imam was actively involved in the Home Rule Movement and was a prominent member of the Bihar Congress Committee from 1909.
- He campaigned for Dadabhai Naoroji in the 1891 UK general elections, reflecting his early engagement with nationalist politics.
- Imam served as a judge in the Calcutta High Court and later practised at Patna after resigning in 1916 to devote himself to public life.
- He was nominated to the Bihar and Orissa Legislative Council in 1921 and played a significant role in advocating for constitutional reforms and communal harmony.
