Indian National Movement got an impetus after the foundation of the Indian National Congress in 1885. Mr. A.O. Hume, a retired member of the Indian Civil Service, took the initiative in this direction. He appealed to the Graduates of the Calcutta University to form an association for the moral, social and political regeneration of the Indians. Lord Dufferin, the then Viceroy of India, supported the idea. Leaders like Dada Bhai Nauroji S.N. Banerjee, Ferozshah Mehta, Badruddin Tyabji and others helped him to found the Indian National Congress.
Aims and Objectives of the Congress Leaders from 1885 to 1905: The early phase of the National Movement was dominated by the moderate leaders like Dada Bhai Nauroji, Surendra Nath Banerjee, Ferozshah Mehta, Gopal Krishna Gokhale etc. They believed in peaceful and constitutional methods.
They tried to achieve the following objectives:
I. Demand for wider powers for the councils and training in self-government.
II. Removal of poverty by the rapid development of agriculture and modern industries.
III. Indianization of the higher administrative services.
IV. Freedom of speech and press for the defense of their civil rights.
The moderate leaders, thus, tried to create the national consciousness and raise the public opinion against the British imperialism. They created a common platform for the national struggle.