The Karnataka government will construct a state-of-the-art Mahatma Gandhi memorial in Belagavi at an estimated cost of ₹100 crore, with formal allocations set to be announced in the upcoming state budget.
The announcement was made by CM D K Shivakumar during an event held at Gandhi Bhavan in Bengaluru commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. The program featured the conferment of the Mahatma Gandhi Seva Award, the unveiling of a Gandhi Digital Museum, the release of literature on Gandhian thought, and floral tributes paid to both Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Belagavi’s Historic 1924 AICC Session: A Defining Milestone
The memorial is tied to the city’s rich legacy in India’s independence movement. The 39th session of the Indian National Congress, held in Belgaum (now Belagavi) on December 26–27, 1924, remains a historic chapter as the only Congress session ever presided over by Mahatma Gandhi.
- Reconciliation of Factions: The session served as a bridge between the “Swarajists” (led by Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru, who favored entering legislative councils) and the “No-Changers” (who focused strictly on grassroots constructive work). Gandhi brokered a compromise that preserved party unity while accommodating both paths.
- Social Reforms & Constructive Program: Gandhi utilized the platform to broaden the freedom struggle beyond political agitation to socio-economic reform. He laid heavy emphasis on eradicating untouchability, promoting communal harmony, and popularizing Khadi and village cottage industries.
- Mass Democratization: Membership rules were restructured, cutting dues and linking active membership to spinning yarn, turning the organization from an elite deliberative body into a widespread mass movement.
- Physical & Cultural Heritage: To cater to the thousands of delegates, organizers excavated a dedicated well known as Pampa Sarovar (now famously preserved as the Congress Well / Veera Soudha), which continues to supply water to local neighborhoods. The session was also notable for its cultural resonance, featuring performances by musical stalwarts like Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar and a young Gangubai Hangal, alongside the rendition of the historic anthem “Udayavagali Namma Chaluva Kannada Nadu”.
Criticism Over Sidelining Gandhi’s Legacy
Addressing current affairs, the Karnataka leadership expressed strong displeasure over the Union government’s perceived attempts to downplay Gandhi’s legacy, citing recent policy changes affecting the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
“The entire world honors Mahatma Gandhi. Visiting dignitaries from across the globe pay their respects at Rajghat, and international bodies embrace his doctrines of non-violence. Yet, in his own homeland, systematic efforts are underway to sideline his name from key initiatives like MGNREGA,” the address noted.
‘A Clash of Two Ideologies’
Describing Mahatma Gandhi as the “soul of India,” the leadership urged contemporary political movements and the youth to reflect on Gandhian philosophy rather than distance themselves from it.
“Our country is witnessing an ideological confrontation between two distinct currents: those who adhere to Gandhian ideals of secularism, peace, and coexistence, and those who oppose them,” the address emphasized.
Highlighting Gandhi’s enduring international footprint, the speech concluded: “A mortal person may die, but their ideals live on forever. Statues of Mahatma Gandhi grace public squares worldwide, and leading global universities continue to research his methods. When he died, the United Nations lowered its flags in tribute. His global stature and relevance cannot be diminished.”
