Allan Hume - A Lifestory

Allan Octavian Hume (1829) was a prominent British civil servant, political reformer, ornithologist, and one of the founding members of the Indian National Congress. Born in Montrose, Scotland, he was educated at Haileybury College, a training ground for administrators in the British East India Company. Hume joined the Indian Civil Service in 1849, serving in various administrative positions in the NorthWestern Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh). He gained a reputation for his progressive views, advocating for education, improved agricultural practices, and a fairer system of governance for the Indian population.

Hume's deep interest in ornithology led him to amass a vast collection of Indian bird specimens, contributing significantly to the study of Indian avifauna. He published several works on the subject, including "The Game Birds of India, Burmah and Ceylon" and "My Scrap Book: Or Rough Notes on Indian Oology and Ornithology." His collection, unfortunately, was later lost to science after being transferred to the British Museum.

However, Hume is best remembered for his role in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Believing that a platform was needed for educated Indians to voice their grievances and concerns, he facilitated meetings and discussions that culminated in the first session of the Congress in 1885. He served as its General Secretary in its initial years, providing crucial organizational support and helping to shape its early agenda. While he initially envisioned the Congress as a loyal forum for dialogue with the British government, it eventually evolved into a powerful force for Indian independence. After retiring from the Indian Civil Service, Hume continued to advocate for Indian reforms and remained involved in political activism until his death in 1912.