Belagavi: Belagavi is abuzz with preparations for the centenary celebration of the historic 39th Congress Session held in 1924, the only session presided over by Mahatma Gandhi.
Various programs are scheduled for December 26 and 27 as part of the centenary celebration.
Karnataka’s Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs and chairperson of the Centenary Committee, H.K. Patil visited the homes of freedom fighters on Tuesday as a symbolic gesture. He extended personal invitations to their families to attend the unveiling of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in front of Suvarna Soudha.
Patil visited the residence of Annu Guruji in Ramteerth Nagar, Vitthalrao Yalgi in Hanuman Nagar, and Gangadhar Rao Deshpande’s home. Gangadhar Rao was a key organizer of the 1924 Belagavi Congress Session.
The minister gathered detailed accounts of the freedom movement from these families, highlighting their role in India's independence struggle.
Freedom fighter Vitthalrao Yalgi shared memories of his family's contributions to the movement.
“In our family, 16 members were imprisoned—13 for India’s freedom and 3 for the liberation of Goa. My father was closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, and my uncle strongly advocated for the Congress session to be held in Belagavi. Sadly, he passed away in 1923. Inspired by Lokmanya Tilak, our family dedicated itself to the nation's service,” Yalgi, a nonagenarian, recalled.
He recollected that in 1942, his father, uncle, and he were arrested and jailed on various charges.
The minister also visited the family of Annu Guruji, where he emphasized the importance of documenting historical contributions. He instructed the reprinting of a booklet written by Annu Guruji about the Belagavi Congress Session.
“We must honor the sacrifices of freedom fighters and remember those who selflessly served the nation. It is our duty,” said Patil.
Mahesh Deshpande, grandson of Annu Guruji, spoke about the socio-political environment during the session.
“My grandfather inspired people from Belagavi and nearby villages to join the freedom movement. He resigned from his job to fully dedicate himself to the independence struggle. I have collected extensive records of these contributions," he said. Minister Patil encouraged him to compile these records into a book.
Ravindra Deshpande, grandson of Gangadhar Rao Deshpande, recounted how the 1924 session was made possible.
“Gangadhar Rao raised Rs 72,000 to organize the Congress session in Belagavi and took full responsibility for the expenses. During a meeting in Hubballi, a vote was conducted, and Belagavi was chosen as the venue,” he said.
He further added, “It brings us immense joy that the government is remembering the freedom fighters. On behalf of their families, we express our gratitude to the government.”
Later, Minister Patil inspected the preparations at Suvarna Soudha for the unveiling of the Mahatma Gandhi statue. He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan and District Superintendent of Police Dr. Bhimashankar Guled. Speaking to reporters, the minister expressed satisfaction with his interactions with the families of freedom fighters.
“Spending time with these families filled me with joy, pride, and peace,” he remarked.
