The National Social Conference was established in 1905 due to concerns that the Indian National Congress was prioritizing political independence over pressing social reform issues. Many reform-minded leaders felt that social issues such as untouchability, education, and women's rights deserved dedicated attention and discussion, which the INC was not addressing adequately. Thus, the Conference aimed to create a platform specifically for social reform discussions, reflecting the broader understanding of freedom as not only political but also social and cultural transformation, crucial elements for a comprehensive Indian liberation movement.