Karnataka Government Announces 2025 as Gandhi Bharat Year to Honour Congress' Historic Belgaum Session

The Karnataka government has declared 2025 as Gandhi Bharat Year to honour the Congress session of 1924 led by Mahatma Gandhi. This decision was made during a meeting led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The session took place in Belagavi, previously known as Belgaum, in north Karnataka. The Chief Minister's Office announced plans to organise significant events throughout the year to mark this centenary.

Preparations for these events will commence on December 26 and 27, coinciding with the centenary celebrations of the session. A Congress Working Committee meeting is scheduled for December 26 in Belagavi, followed by a public gathering on December 27. Additionally, Siddaramaiah instructed officials to illuminate a major 32-kilometre road stretch and 30 intersections in Belagavi, similar to Mysuru Dasara.

Commemorative Initiatives

The site of the 1924 Congress session will be transformed into a Veera Soudha. Plans include constructing a library and installing a Gandhi statue there. A temporary Virupaksha Gopuram will be erected on the 2.1-kilometre Congress Road in Belagavi as part of the centenary memorial, along with relief sculptures near the railway barrier.

Memorial pillars are set to be constructed at 120 locations across the state that Gandhi visited at various times. The statement also mentioned dubbing the 1982 film "Gandhi," directed by Richard Attenborough, into Kannada. A photo gallery showcasing the Congress session and the freedom movement will be established in Suvarna Vidhana Soudha.

Additional Commemorations

A special postal stamp will be issued to commemorate the centenary of the Congress session. These initiatives aim to celebrate and remember Gandhi's contributions and leadership during this pivotal moment in history.

The Karnataka government's efforts reflect a commitment to preserving historical significance while engaging citizens in meaningful commemorations. By highlighting key events and figures from India's past, these programmes aim to inspire future generations.