Karnataka Plans Year-Long Centenary for Belagavi Congress

Belagavi: The Karnataka government is preparing for a grand celebration to mark the centenary of the historic Belagavi Congress session (Belgaum Congress Session), which was presided over by Mahatma Gandhi in 1924.

The session was the only Congress session presided over by Gandhiji.

Law, Parliamentary Affairs, and Tourism Minister HK Patil, who also chairs the Centenary Celebration Committee, visited Belagavi on Tuesday to discuss and announce a year-long series of programs commemorating the event.

The team toured key locations, including Tilakwadi and Veersoudha, where the Congress session took place, the Congress well, and the Gandhi memorial at Hudali, gathering information from the Deputy Commissioner.

During the Centenary Committee meeting Patil emphasized that the celebrations would extend beyond Belagavi, encompassing the entire state.

"A large-scale photo exhibition will showcase the Congress session and highlight Gandhi's achievements. Gandhi study centers should be set up in all universities and Gandhi Bhavans should be completed in every district," he said.

In a commitment to organizing meaningful programs, Patil noted that discussions with Gandhian scholars and senior leaders would help reflect on the history of the Congress session. He mentioned that visits to historic sites related to the session would aid in developing a detailed plan for the events.

The centenary celebrations will continue for one year, till the next Gandhi Jayanti, aiming for international significance by conducting a joint session of the legislature and inviting former US President Barack Obama. Patil encouraged local playwrights to create a special play centered on the Belagavi session.

Former Chief Minister and honorary president of the committee, Veerappa Moily, proposed establishing a centenary park and building to honor the event. He suggested erecting a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, establishing a Gandhi memorial at the session venue, and setting up a permanent museum with photo and artifact exhibitions.

Speaking to reporters, Patil announced that the "Gandhi Bharat" program as part of the centenary celebrations, aims to disseminate Gandhi's principles and ideals to every household.

Invitation to Obama:

“It is everyone's hope that Obama, who has a special admiration for Gandhi, will address the joint session. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has already invited Barack Obama by sending him a letter. A date has been requested for December 26-27 or within January 2025 for the joint session in Belagavi,” Patil stated.

The government has allocated Rs 25 crores for the Congress session centenary celebrations, with additional funds to be provided if necessary.