The Karnataka government has unveiled plans for a grand, year-long celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the historic 1924 Belagavi Congress Session, the only session of the Indian National Congress presided over by Mahatma Gandhi. Law, Parliamentary Affairs, and Tourism Minister H.K. Patil, who leads the Centenary Celebration Committee, visited Belagavi to discuss the lineup of commemorative events.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has extended an invitation to former U.S. President Barack Obama, citing Obama’s well-known admiration for Gandhi, which he highlighted in his 2009 Nobel Peace Prize speech. The government is exploring options for a special joint session of the Karnataka legislature, tentatively scheduled for December 26-27 or at various points leading up to Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, 2025, to make the centenary celebration a global event.
Under the “Gandhi Bharat” initiative, events will extend statewide through October 2025, including photo exhibitions of the 1924 session, the establishment of Gandhi study centers in universities and the completion of Gandhi Bhavans across all districts. Minister Patil and committee members recently toured important sites in Belagavi, such as Tilakwadi, Veersoudha, and the Gandhi Memorial in Hudali, for program planning. Plans also include a centenary garden, a memorial, and a museum at the original session site.
In addition, the government encourages local playwrights to develop a special play about the Belagavi session. A series of “Gandhi Rath Yatras” are currently underway across districts and are expected to converge in Belagavi on December 26-27, where Yuva, Mahila, and Harmony conventions will be held. The centenary aims to honor Gandhi’s legacy with an impactful and inclusive celebration that reaches all corners of Karnataka.
