In the late 19^th century, Indian political thinkers wanted a national organisation that would provide a platform for discussing new national policies with the British government. The Indian National Congress (INC) was formed on December 28, 1885. The foundation of the INC was a result of the efforts of Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, and prominent Indian leaders, including Dadabhai Naoroji and Dinshaw Wacha. The main objective of the INC was to provide a platform for Indians to voice their political and social concerns and work towards achieving self-government and independence from British rule. The first session was held in Bombay (now Mumbai), and since then, the INC played a pivotal role in India's struggle for freedom and eventually became the leading political party in the country.