The State government plans a major celebration for the centenary of the 39th Congress session chaired by Mahatma Gandhi in Belgaum (now Belgaum) in 1924, announced Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan on Monday in Belgaum.
During a consultative committee meeting with freedom fighters, Khadi activists, and Gandhians, Roshan assured efforts to ensure meaningful celebrations. He mentioned a budget allocation of ₹2 crore for the event, with potential additional funding from corporate sources.
Roshan urged committee members to collaborate on raising CSR funds and proposed forming sub-committees for pre-event arrangements. Another committee of experts and officials is likely to be established for organizing the celebrations, according to Deputy Director of Information Gurunath Kadabur.
Gandhian Dilip Kamat emphasized focusing the celebrations on Gandhi’s values, promoting economic self-reliance and India’s liberal secular ethos among youth. He referenced Gandhi’s critique in “Belgaum Impressions” from Young India, appreciating sanitation volunteers during the session.
Suggestions included publishing session resolutions, organizing student competitions, and exhibiting session-related documents and photographs statewide. Writer Saraju Katkar advocated reviving the Veera Soudha at Tilakwadi and installing plaques honoring freedom fighters.
Participants like Ravindra Deshpande and Subhas Kulkarni proposed commemorating Gangadhar Rao Deshpande and completing construction of his memorial with a centenary grant. They also suggested renaming areas and landmarks in Belgaum.
Ideas for utilizing Veera Soudha as a library, children’s center, and concert venue were put forth, along with launching an online platform for Khadi and village industry products. Seva Dal leader Basavaraj Hattigoudar stressed the importance of an interfaith meeting for promoting communal harmony.
Several officials and social activists attended the meeting, including Additional SP Ramagonda Basaragi and Municipal Commissioner Ashok Dudgunti, among others.
