Centenary Celebrations of Belgaum Congress Session Held in Karnataka

Belagavi, Karnataka: The centenary celebrations of the historic 1924 Belgaum Congress session were held in Belagavi, Karnataka, from December 26 to December 27, 2024. This session was particularly significant as it was the only one chaired by Mahatma Gandhi, making it a pivotal moment in India's freedom struggle.

Centenary celebrations of Belgaum Congress session held in Karnataka

Significance of the 1924 Belgaum Congress Session

The 1924 Belgaum Congress session holds immense historical importance. Chaired by Mahatma Gandhi, the session played a crucial role in galvanizing the Indian independence movement. It brought together leaders and activists from across the country to discuss strategies and mobilize support for the freedom struggle. The session is remembered for its resolutions and the unity it fostered among the participants.

Highlights of the Centenary Celebrations

The centenary celebrations featured a variety of activities that paid tribute to the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and the historic Congress session. Here are some of the key highlights:

Inauguration of Gangadhar Rao Deshpande Memorial Hall

One of the main events was the inauguration of a memorial hall named after Gangadhar Rao Deshpande, a close associate of Gandhi and the chairman of the reception committee for the 1924 session. This memorial hall serves as a lasting tribute to Deshpande's contributions and his role in the freedom struggle.

Unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi's Statue

A statue of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled during the celebrations, symbolizing his enduring legacy and the principles he stood for. The statue serves as a reminder of Gandhi's leadership and his unwavering commitment to non-violence and civil disobedience.

Khadi Mela

A Khadi Mela was inaugurated as part of the celebrations, promoting the use of Khadi, a handspun and handwoven cloth that Gandhi advocated for as a symbol of self-reliance and economic independence. The Khadi Mela showcased various Khadi products and highlighted the importance of supporting local artisans and industries.

Festive Atmosphere

The city of Belagavi was beautifully decorated with lights and electric replicas of great leaders, creating a festive atmosphere. The decorations added to the celebratory mood and honored the leaders who played significant roles in India's freedom struggle.

Photo Exhibition

A photo exhibition was organized to showcase rare and historic photographs from the 1924 Belgaum Congress session. The exhibition provided a visual journey through the past, offering insights into the key moments and personalities of the session.

Padayatra (Procession)

A padayatra, or procession, was held as part of the celebrations. The procession brought together people from all walks of life, united in their remembrance of the historic session and their commitment to the values it represented.

Public Meeting

A public meeting attended by political leaders from various parties was also held. The meeting provided a platform for leaders to share their thoughts on the significance of the 1924 session and its relevance in today's context. It also served as an opportunity to discuss the ongoing efforts to uphold the principles of democracy and freedom.

Conclusion

The centenary celebrations of the 1924 Belgaum Congress session were a grand tribute to the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and the historic Congress session that played a crucial role in India's freedom struggle. The events and activities held during the celebrations not only honored the past but also served as a reminder of the enduring values and principles that guided the freedom struggle. As the city of Belagavi came together to commemorate this historic event, it reaffirmed the commitment to the ideals of democracy, freedom, and unity that continue to inspire the nation.