List of Important Organizations and Their Founders

The history of India’s struggle for independence and social reform is marked by the emergence of various organizations and movements that played pivotal roles in shaping the nation's destiny. From early reformist societies to revolutionary groups, these organizations not only voiced the aspirations of the Indian people but also laid the foundation for a modern, progressive India. Their objectives ranged from promoting social and educational reforms to spearheading political movements against British colonial rule. Understanding these organizations provides deep insights into the multifaceted struggle that defined India's path to sovereignty.

"Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed." — Martin Luther King Jr.

1. British Indian Association (1851)

Founders: Radhakanta Deb, Debendranath Tagore

Objective: To represent Indian interests to the British government.

2. Indian National Congress (1885)

Founder: Allan Octavian Hume (with Dadabhai Naoroji, Dinshaw Wacha)

Objective: To obtain a greater share in government for educated Indians.

3. Arya Samaj (1875)

Founder: Swami Dayanand Saraswati

Objective: Social reform and the promotion of Vedic values.

4. Theosophical Society (1875)

Founders: Madame Blavatsky and Colonel H.S. Olcott (Indian Chapter led by Annie Besant)

Objective: Spiritual and philosophical development.

5. All India Muslim League (1906)

Founders: Nawab Salimullah Khan, Aga Khan, Syed Amir Ali

Objective: Protection of Muslim political rights.

6. Gadar Party (1913)

Founders: Lala Har Dayal, Sohan Singh Bhakna

Objective: Armed revolution against British rule.

7. Home Rule League (1916)

Founders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Western India), Annie Besant (Southern India)

Objective: Self-governance within the British Empire.

8. Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) (1928)

Founders: Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ram Prasad Bismil

Objective: Revolutionary activities to overthrow British rule.

9. Servants of India Society (1905)

Founder: Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Objective: Social reform and education for national service.

10. Anushilan Samiti (1902)

Founders: Pramatha Mitra, Aurobindo Ghosh, Barindra Ghosh

Objective: Revolutionary activities in Bengal.

11. Indian Association (1876)

Founders: Surendranath Banerjee, Ananda Mohan Bose

Objective: Political awareness among Indians.

12. Poona Sarvajanik Sabha (1870)

Founders: Mahadev Govind Ranade, Ganesh Vasudeo Joshi

Objective: Promotion of civic and political consciousness.

13. Young Bengal Movement (1820s-1830s)

Founder: Henry Louis Vivian Derozio

Objective: Social reform and promotion of rational thinking.

14. Brahmo Samaj (1828)

Founder: Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Objective: Religious and social reform, monotheism.

15. Ramakrishna Mission (1897)

Founder: Swami Vivekananda

Objective: Spiritual development and social service.

16. Indian National Army (INA) (1942)

Founder: Mohan Singh (later led by Subhas Chandra Bose)

Objective: Armed struggle to liberate India from British rule.

17. Aligarh Movement (1875)

Founder: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

Objective: Educational and social reform among Muslims.

18. Bharat Mata Society (1905)

Founder: Abhinav Bharat Society by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar

Objective: Revolutionary nationalist activities.

19. Self-Respect Movement (1925)

Founder: E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar)

Objective: Social justice and anti-caste reforms in Tamil Nadu.

20. Forward Bloc (1939)

Founder: Subhas Chandra Bose

Objective: Radical approach towards complete independence.