A Turning Point in India’s Freedom Struggle: The 1924 Belgaum Session

Introduction

The Congress is hosting a two-day event in Belagavi (formerly Belgaum), Karnataka, on December 26-27, to commemorate the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi presiding over its historic 1924 Belgaum session.

• The event will feature an extended session of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) and a rally to honor Gandhi's leadership and contributions during this pivotal session.

Backdrop of the 1924 Belgaum Session

1. Gandhi’s Release from Prison

   • Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned in 1922 for writing critical articles about British policies in Young India.
   • Sentenced to six years, he served about two years before being released in February 1924 due to health issues.

2. Challenges Post-Release

   • Gandhi was deeply concerned about:
     • Lack of Hindu-Muslim unity in the freedom struggle.
     • Factionalism within the Congress.
   • To address these concerns, he undertook a 21-day fast from September 18 to October 8, 1924.

Participants in the 1924 Congress Session

• Senior Congress leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Sarojini Naidu.
• Leaders from the Khilafat movement, including Muhammad Ali Jauhar and Shaukat Ali.

Significance of the 1924 Belgaum Session

1. Gandhi’s Unique Role

   • This was the only Congress session presided over by Mahatma Gandhi.
   • He served as Congress president from December 1924 to April 1925.

2. Key Themes Presented by Gandhi

   • Philosophy of non-violence and its role in the independence movement.
   • Importance of communal harmony and social reform for achieving self-rule (swaraj).

Highlights of Gandhi’s Address

1. Non-Violence and Non-Cooperation

   • Gandhi emphasized the power of non-violence as a moral and effective force for change.
   • He acknowledged the shortcomings of the boycotts (e.g., of government institutions and foreign goods) but highlighted their impact in reducing British prestige.

2. Hindu-Muslim Unity and Untouchability

   • Stressed that swaraj was unattainable without:
     • Hindu-Muslim unity.
     • The removal of untouchability and the upliftment of oppressed classes.

3. Self-Rule and Reforms

   • Proposed reforms like:
     • Shifting the final court of appeals from London to Delhi.
     • Adopting Hindustani as the official language in provincial governments and courts.
   • Urged people to embrace satyagraha (non-violent resistance) as a path to truth and justice.

4. Khadi and Self-Reliance

   • Encouraged spinning and weaving of khadi to symbolize self-reliance.
   • Asserted that true swaraj could only be achieved through economic independence and community participation.

Impact of the 1924 Session

• The session sparked a rise in peasant participation in the freedom movement.
• It promoted the spread of khadi and strengthened village industries in Karnataka and other regions.
• It marked a renewed emphasis on grassroots efforts and social reform as central to the independence struggle.