As part of the ‘Gandhi Bharat’ program, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the memorial auditorium dedicated to freedom fighter Gangadhar Rao Deshpande, also known as the ‘Lion of Karnataka,’ in Ramtirth Nagar, Belagavi. The auditorium, constructed over 15 guntas at the cost of ₹1.58 crore, includes a statue of Deshpande, a photo gallery, a wire fence, pavers, and a garden. The gallery features rare photographs from the 1924 Congress session, including moments shared by Deshpande with Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar inaugurated the renovated photo gallery at Veera Soudha, displaying images from the 1924 Congress session. Siddaramaiah also unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Veera Soudha memorial, the venue of the historic session. He toured the renovated park, memorial hall, and library, spinning the charka placed in the front yard.
The event was attended by Law Minister H.K. Patil, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, Urban Development Minister Bhairati Suresh, Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadgi, Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao, and other dignitaries, including MLAs and officials.
Gangadhar Rao Deshpande: A Tribute to a Freedom Fighter
Gangadhar Rao Deshpande, a prominent freedom fighter from Hudali village in Belagavi taluk, played a key role in organizing the 1924 Congress session in Belagavi and persuading Mahatma Gandhi to preside over it. Known for his simplicity and Gandhian values, Deshpande established the Charak Sangha in 1922 and the Gandhi Seva Sangha in 1937. He also supported the Khadi Village Industry, which continues to provide employment to many. Despite his influence, he chose a selfless path, dedicating his life to spirituality after India’s independence.
Born on March 31, 1871, Deshpande completed his education at Sardar’s High School, Belagavi, and earned his BA LLB from Deccan College, Pune. He passed away on July 30, 1960, leaving behind a legacy of service and patriotism.
CM Pays Tribute to Fallen Soldiers
Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah paid homage to Karnataka soldiers who lost their lives in an accident in Jammu and Kashmir. At the Army War Memorial, he laid wreaths on the caskets of Subedar Dayananda Tirakannanvar and Mahesh Marigonda. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss and assured government support for the families of the deceased soldiers.
Siddaramaiah acknowledged the deaths of four soldiers from Karnataka in recent accidents, including Dayananda Tirakannanvar from Belagavi, Dhanraj Subhash from Chikkodi, Mahesh Nagappa from Bagalkot, and Anoop Poojary from Kundapur.
