Famous Personalities 04 September 2026
Dadabhai Naoroji Jayanti: September 4 Marks the Birth Anniversary of the 'Grand Old Man of India'
Why in the News?
Dadabhai Naoroji Jayanti is commemorated every year on September 4 to mark the birth anniversary of the pioneering nationalist leader, economic scholar, and freedom fighter.
Key Features / Major Points:
Birth & Lifespan: September 4, 1825 (Bombay) – June 30, 1917.
Popular Titles: Fondly remembered as the "Grand Old Man of India" and the "Unofficial Ambassador of India".
Drain of Wealth Theory: Propounded the groundbreaking economic theory exposing how British rule systematically siphoned wealth out of India to Britain.
First Indian British MP: Created history by becoming the first Indian member elected to the British House of Commons (1892–1895) representing Central Finsbury for the Liberal Party.
Indian National Congress (INC): Co-founder of INC and served as its President thrice (1886, 1893, and 1906). He formally demanded Swaraj (Self-rule) during the 1906 Calcutta session.
Key Organizations: Founded the London Indian Society (1865) and East India Association (1866) to champion Indian rights abroad.
Static GK Facts:
Famous Publication: Poverty and Un-British Rule in India (highlighted national income calculations and wealth drain).
British Parliament Constituency: Central Finsbury (Elected in 1892).
INC Sessions Presided: 1886 (Calcutta), 1893 (Lahore), and 1906 (Calcutta).
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Who is widely referred to as the "Grand Old Man of India"?
A: Dadabhai Naoroji
Q: Who was the first Indian to be elected to the British House of Commons?
A: Dadabhai Naoroji (1892)
Q: In which INC session did Dadabhai Naoroji explicitly demand 'Swaraj' for the first time?
A: 1906 Calcutta Session