Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to unveil the statue of renowned freedom fighter Gangadhar Rao Deshpande at Ramtirth Nagar, Belagavi, this Thursday. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will simultaneously inaugurate a photo gallery commemorating Deshpande’s life and contributions at the memorial.
Gangadhar Rao Deshpande Memorial at Ramtirth Nagar, Belagavi,
Known as the “Lion of Karnataka,” Deshpande played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle. He was instrumental in organizing the historic National Congress Session held in Belagavi in 1924, serving as the reception committee chairman. A Congress secretary during the 38th Congress session in Kakinada, Deshpande proposed Belagavi as the venue for the next Congress session, a suggestion warmly embraced by party leaders.
Deshpande’s political journey was closely influenced by stalwarts such as Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and he later forged a strong bond with Mahatma Gandhi. His active participation in Gandhi-led movements led to multiple arrests between 1921 and 1942. Deshpande’s enduring legacy is marked by his commitment to India’s independence and his leadership in Karnataka’s political and social spheres.
To honor his contributions, the Karnataka government has allocated 15 guntas of land for the memorial at Ramtirth Nagar. The original plan to construct the memorial at Deshpande’s birthplace, Hudali, was revised due to legal disputes over the land.
The Gangadhar Rao Deshpande Smarak Samiti has proposed several initiatives for the memorial, including a documentary film, a light-and-sound installation, and other infrastructure enhancements. Additionally, the Samiti envisions a statue of Deshpande mounted on horseback, symbolizing his frequent rides from Hudali to Belagavi during the 1924 Congress preparations. However, these projects remain stalled due to funding delays, according to Samiti secretary Subhash Kulkarni.
Deshpande, an advocate by profession, began his public life as a corporator in the Belagavi Municipality. Notably, in 1907, he facilitated Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s first visit to Belagavi, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s role in the independence movement.
Gangadhar Rao Deshpande passed away in 1960, but his legacy continues to inspire generations. The unveiling of his statue and the establishment of the memorial are significant steps in preserving and celebrating his contributions to India’s freedom struggle.
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