Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Lala Lajpath Roy
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The Indian Trade Union Congress, founded in 1920, was one of the earliest national level organisations representing the interest of industrial workers in India. It played a significant role in the labour movement and in linking freedom struggle leaders with workers issues. This question focuses on the identity of the person who served as its first President, a fact that often appears in competitive examinations on modern Indian history and labour movements.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The concept tested is understanding of the link between political leaders and the labour movement. Lala Lajpat Rai, a veteran nationalist, not only fought against colonial rule but also showed interest in workers welfare and industrial questions. When the Indian Trade Union Congress was formed in Bombay in 1920, he was chosen as its first President. Recognising this association helps students connect labour history with the broader freedom struggle.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the question asks for the first President of the Indian Trade Union Congress formed in 1920.
Step 2: Recall that many early trade union initiatives involved national leaders who were already famous in the freedom movement.
Step 3: Remember from history lessons that Lala Lajpat Rai presided over the inaugural session of the Indian Trade Union Congress.
Step 4: Look at the options and identify his name among others like Chittaranjan Das and Dr Rajendra Prasad.
Step 5: Select Lala Lajpath Roy as the correct answer as per the spelling used in the options.
Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this fact in standard modern Indian history books and in guides on trade unionism, which explicitly state that Lala Lajpat Rai was the first President of the organisation. Exam oriented compendiums on national congress sessions and trade union history also list his name next to the year 1920. There is no similar repeated mention of Chittaranjan Das or Rajendra Prasad in connection with this particular post, which confirms the correct association.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Chittaranjan Das was a significant nationalist leader and mayor of Calcutta, but he did not serve as the first President of the Indian Trade Union Congress. Dr Rajendra Prasad later became the first President of independent India and was more involved in constitutional and political work. Jawaharlal Nehru was central to the national movement and later Prime Minister but was not the inaugural President of this trade union body. None therefore does not apply, because there is a clear correct name among the options, namely Lala Lajpath Roy.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse various firsts in Indian history and may mix up posts such as President of Indian National Congress, President of India, and President of trade union organisations. To avoid this, it is useful to maintain separate lists, for example political party firsts, trade union firsts, and constitutional firsts. Revising these lists before an exam helps keep the associations clear and reduces the risk of marking an incorrect but famous name.
Final Answer:
The first President of the Indian Trade Union Congress in 1920 was Lala Lajpath Roy.
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