In 1925, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, arrived in Nippani — an event that now completes 100 years.
Dr. Ambedkar had visited Nippani in the Belgaum district on April 11, 1925. Later, on December 26, 1939, he visited Belgaum city, where he was greeted with heartfelt warmth and affection. The Belgaum Municipal Council also felicitated him during this visit.
Which street did Ambedkar visit? What is its present condition? What do the locals recall? Our reporters present this special story.
Belgaum has been graced by visits from notable national figures including Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, and Jawaharlal Nehru. Among these historic visits, Dr. Ambedkar’s arrival remains a moment of pride, etched in the city’s history.
On April 11, 1925, he visited Nippani. December 26, 1939, marked his significant arrival in Belgaum city, where a ceremonial reception was held in his honor at the Municipal Council.
From the Belgaum Railway Station to the Municipal premises, Ambedkar was welcomed with a musical procession. At Harijanakeri (now known as Kangrala Galli), a festive spirit took over as residents eagerly gathered to catch a glimpse of him. After attending the reception, he visited Kangrala Galli and had dinner at the home of Siddavva Meghappa Bastavadakar.
He also visited the homes of social workers D.K. Chandagadkar and Eerappa Basappa Maitri, inquiring about their work. “Our grandfather told us they met him closely – it fills us with pride,” say residents of Kangrala Galli.
A Memorable Welcome
Local leader Durgesh Maitri told reporters, “After the city council’s hospitality, our elders led a grand procession with Babasaheb. He first visited D.K. Chandagadkar’s home, had lunch at Siddavva Bastavadakar’s house, and then went to Irappa Maitri’s residence. That evening, at 4 pm, he addressed 50,000 farmers at Benan Smith School Ground. This has been documented by Balvantrao Varale in his book.”
Leaders Who Contributed to the Visit
Several prominent individuals, including Nippani’s Balvantrao Varale, Belgaum Council President Bhimrao Potadar, M.B. Lad, Shamarao Desai, Khemanna Patil, Shivappa Maitri, Nemanna Modage, Irappa Maitri, Appiah Maitri, Advocate Kadolkar, Yalagi, and the Chowgule family, worked together to make Dr. Ambedkar’s visit a success.
The area once known as Harijanakeri and Asadkhan Keri later became Kangrala Galli. Today, it is called Ambedkar Galli. The house where he dined has since been rebuilt as a three-storey residence. Several dignitaries, including former CM B.S. Yediyurappa, Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, and MP Ramesh Jigajinagi, have since visited this place.
Ambedkar Jayanti Rooted in Education Awareness
“Our elders had written to him in 1946 about celebrating his birthday. In response, Ambedkar declined and instead emphasized creating awareness about the importance of education,” said Durgesh Maitri. “Following his words, bullock carts with boards saying ‘Learn, Learn’ were brought from villages like Basavan Kudchi and Alarawad. That’s how his birthday was celebrated – by promoting education. Even today, we continue this tradition on a grand scale.”
A Rare Photograph
A photo of Ambedkar taken during his 1939 visit remains preserved in the home of Eerappa Maitri. The old Municipal Hall where he was welcomed still exists and now functions as a branch of the municipal corporation.
Centenary Call for Commemoration
Dalit leader Mallesh Chowgule emphasized, “It’s a matter of pride that Babasaheb visited our street. He enjoyed a vegetarian meal with roti, vegetables, rice, and soup at Siddavva Bastavadakar’s home. A Rs. 40 lakh Ambedkar Bhavan has been constructed in his memory. As we mark 100 years since his visit to Nippani on April 11, the government should organize a grand centenary celebration.”
Call for Ambedkar Museum
Veteran journalist Mehboob Makanadar stated, “The house where Vishwaratna Dr. Ambedkar dined has been sold and rebuilt. The government should acquire it, preserve its legacy, and convert it into a museum for future generations. Appropriate compensation must be given to the current owners. It’s time for the government and local leaders to act.”
