Centenary year (1924-2024) of Mahatma Gandhiji (Bapuji) as President of the Congress Session in Belgaum (Belagavi)
September 30, 2024
By Manjunath K. Shresthi
The apostle of peace ‘Bapuji’ and reverentially addressed as the Mahatma was a satya aur ahinsa ka dhoot (meaning am ambassador of truth and non-violence). And to quote another Gandhian, “Bapu could have been born only in India”. Because of his visionary leadership and the path he laid that many Indians heeded to his call to fight against the imperial British. The fight between Mahatma and the British can aptly be called “Soul force vs (versus) Fist force”.
The Indian National Congress (INC) since 1885 when it finally came into existence, held an annual session presided by a freedom fighter who took the lead in his/her fight against the imperialist Raj.
The 39 th annual Congress session holds significance, since it was the only time when Bapu presided over as the President on December 26-27, 1924. Belgaum (a.k.a Belagavi) in pre-Independent India formed a part of the Bombay Presidency (Mumbai Karnataka). Post the reorganisation of states on linguistic basis, it became a part of the Mysore state. And later, Mysore was christened as Karnataka state in 1973.
The arrangements made for the all India delegates who arrived then (in 1924) was appreciated by all those who attended it. The place is a must visit for all followers of the history of the freedom struggle. There’s a well which was dug up then, and it is now known as the Congress bhavi (meaning well in Kannada language). To commemorate the historic event of great significance, the road is known as Congress road. The road from the railway station on NH4A (Belagavi-Goa road) to third gate is known as Congress road.
The place currently is known as ‘Veer Soudha’, and it was dedicated to the nation by then Chief Minister of Karnataka, S. M. Krishna on April 29, 2002. It houses a bust of Mahtama Gandhiji, a well, a library, a well-laid out garden and a hall. One can see old photos of the session that was held there, and other memorabilia of Gandhiji forming the subject matter of interest.
How to reach: Travel from railway station side on NH 4A (Belagavi-Goa road) on the double road towards first railway gate. Take a U-turn from first railway gate towards station road, and ask for Congress well. It’s located close by.
