The Karnataka government has unveiled plans for an extensive year-long celebration to mark the centenary of the historic 1924 Belagavi Congress Session, famously presided over by Mahatma Gandhi. This milestone event, the only Congress session chaired by Gandhi, holds immense historical significance. Law, Parliamentary Affairs, and Tourism Minister H.K. Patil, who also chairs the Centenary Celebration Committee, visited Belagavi to discuss and announce the programs dedicated to this iconic session.
Addressing the media, Minister H.K. Patil shared that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has invited former U.S. President Barack Obama to attend the celebrations. The government is proposing a joint session of the Karnataka legislature to be held either on December 26-27 this year or at various points until Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, 2025, making the centenary celebration globally impactful.
Under the banner of the “Gandhi Bharat” program, the government plans to host a variety of events statewide, lasting until October 2025. Minister Patil and committee members toured historically significant locations, including Tilakwadi and Veersoudha (where the 1924 Congress session took place), the Congress Well, and the Gandhi memorial at Hudali. Here, they gathered insights from the Deputy Commissioner and planned the logistics of the commemorations.
Highlighting the scope of the celebration, Minister Patil stated that the events will extend beyond Belagavi to reach all corners of Karnataka. “We will host a large-scale photo exhibition showcasing the Congress session and Gandhiji’s achievements. Additionally, Gandhi study centers will be set up in all universities, and Gandhi Bhavans will be completed in every district,” he said. The program will also feature interactions with Gandhian scholars and visits to other historical sites connected to the session, offering a comprehensive reflection on Gandhi’s impact.
In his role as honorary president of the organizing committee, former Chief Minister Veerappa Moily proposed the establishment of a centenary garden and bhavan in honor of the 1924 Congress Plenary. He suggested installing a Gandhiji statue, a memorial, and a museum at the session’s original location, creating a lasting tribute to Gandhi’s contributions.
Minister Patil encouraged local playwrights to develop a special play centered around the Belagavi session to engage the public further. With the government’s commitment to a meaningful and internationally resonant program, the centenary celebration of the 1924 Belagavi Congress promises to be an inspiring homage to Mahatma Gandhi and the ideals he represented.