The 39th Congress Session, chaired by Mahatma Gandhi in Belgaum (now Belagavi) in 1924, marks a century as a landmark in India’s freedom struggle.
Belagavi Congress Session, 1924
- Presidency and Timing: Held in December 1924, this session was chaired by Mahatma Gandhi—the only time he presided over a Congress session.
- Focus on Political and Social Reform: Unlike most sessions, it gave equal importance to social reforms such as eradicating untouchability, promoting khadi, improving sanitation, and fostering Hindu-Muslim unity alongside the political aim of achieving Swaraj.
- Transforming Congress into a Mass Movement: Gandhi restructured the Congress by drastically reducing the membership fee by 90%, making it accessible to people from all social and economic backgrounds.
- Grassroots Empowerment: The session emphasized self-reliance by encouraging contributions to hand-spun khadi and reviving rural industries, shifting the focus from urban-centric strategies to rural development.
- Cultural and Ethical Milestones:
-
- Advocated social equality, with Brahmin volunteers participating in sanitation work.
- Featured cultural performances by renowned artists like Vishnu Digambar Paluskar and Gangubai Hangal.
- Gandhi’s statement, “If I am to be born again, may I be born a Bhangi,” highlighted his commitment to social justice.
- Infrastructure Legacy: Pampa Sarovara, a well built for the session, remains functional in Belagavi, symbolizing sustainable contributions.
- Visionary Resolutions: The session introduced forward-thinking resolutions on urban planning and cow protection, combining economic growth with cultural preservation, reflecting Gandhi’s holistic vision.
