Syed Hassan Imam

SYED HASSAN IMAM

Date of Birth: 31^st August, 1871 and Date of Death: 19^th April, 1933

            Syed Hassan Imam, who was of the opinions that people, who do not have a progressive outlook, could not properly enjoy the fruits of self rule was born on 31^st August, 1871 in Neora village, Patna district of Bihar State.  He was the younger brother of freedom fighter Syed Ali Imam.  He went to England in 1889 to pursue his higher education.  He met Indian students there, who were of anti-British ideology.  He took active part in their activities.  He returned to Indian in 1892 and started practice as an advocate.  He later shifted to Calcutta in 1910, where he earned fame as a successful advocate.  Attending Indian National Congress Madras sessions in 1908, Syed Hassan Imam entered into National Movement.  He presided over the meeting held by the Bihar State Students to whom he appealed to adopt progressive thinking, instead of following anti-progressive customs and habits.  Imam opposed the proposal for separate constituencies for Muslims, which was moved in the Indian National Congress meeting in 1911, held in Allahabad.  He totally dedicated himself to the Indian freedom movement since 1916, after his resignation from his job as a Justice in the High Court.  He took over the responsibilities as a full time freedom fighter.  He presided over the Indian National Congress Conference held in Bombay.  Hassan Imam played a vital role in the Home Rule Movement.  He wanted cordial relations between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League.  He thought that the differences between the Congress and the League would hamper the goal of Independence and therefore took initiative for the Congress-League Scheme.  He strongly opposed the Rowlatt Act of 1919 and conducted huge rally, which sent shivers among the British.  He had great respect towards Islam, but opposed religious bigotry.  He opined that there should not any religious interference in solving the common problems.  He also said that achieving freedom could be impossible there is a hostile environment between the Hindus and Muslims.  Thus, he advocated for unity and religious harmony.  Hassan Imam played different roles both in the Indian National Movement and the Movement for social reforms in the country.  He led the ‘Swadesi League’ as its General Secretary, which was formed to garner the public support for the Swadesi Movement.  He attracted the masses with his impressive speeches, which irked the British Government.  Syed Hassan Imam, who dedicated his life for the Indian National Movement till his last breath, passed away on 19^th April, 1933.