1924 Belgau Congress Session

Why in News

To commemorate Congress Session 1924 at Belgaum, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Veera Soudha memorial in Belagavi, the only Congress session presided over by Gandhi. As part of the celebration, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar inaugurated a renovated gallery showcasing photographs of Gandhi and other leaders who participated in the historic session. This event underlines the significance of Belagavi in India’s freedom struggle and honors Gandhi’s role in the Congress movement.

Relevance for UPSC (GS Paper I and II)

  1. Modern Indian History:
    • The session reflects Gandhi’s evolving leadership in the Congress and his ability to unify different factions of the national movement.
  2. Governance and Leadership:
    • Highlights the importance of consensus-building and constructive reforms in political leadership.
  3. Cultural and Historical Significance:
    • The unveiling of Gandhi’s statue and the renovated gallery in 2024 serves as a reminder of the city’s pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle.

1924 Congress Session and Its Importance

The 39th Indian National Congress (INC) session, held in Belgaum (now Belagavi) in 1924, was a milestone in India’s struggle for independence. It was the only session presided over by Mahatma Gandhi, signifying his growing influence in the national movement after his return from South Africa in 1915.

Key Highlights of the Session

  1. Gandhi’s Leadership:
    • This was the first and only time Mahatma Gandhi presided over a Congress session, reflecting his leadership in shaping the independence movement.
  2. Reuniting the Congress:
    • Gandhi used the platform to bridge differences between moderates and extremists in the Congress and strengthen the unity of the party.
    • It helped consolidate the Congress after internal rifts during the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22) and its abrupt withdrawal following the Chauri Chaura incident.
  3. Focus on Constructive Programs:
    • Gandhi emphasized the importance of constructive work such as the promotion of khadi, eradication of untouchability, and fostering Hindu-Muslim unity.
  4. Peasants and Workers:
    • Gandhi called for the inclusion of peasants and workers in the independence movement to broaden its base.

Importance of the Session

  1. Symbol of Gandhi’s Leadership:
    • Gandhi’s presidency signified his position as the undisputed leader of the national movement, steering it towards nonviolent civil disobedience and constructive reform.
  2. Decentralized Approach:
    • Gandhi emphasized grassroots mobilization, urging Indians to focus on self-reliance and village-level development as a means of strengthening the freedom struggle.
  3. Significance of Belgaum:
    • Belgaum, a border city, became a symbol of inclusivity and unity within the Congress and the larger independence movement.
  4. Legacy of Constructive Work:
    • The session laid the foundation for the constructive programs that would become central to Gandhi’s strategy for Indian independence.
  5. Preparing for Future Movements:
    • It paved the way for the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930) by focusing on self-reliance and nonviolent resistance.