Congress marks 100 years of Gandhi’s presidency with grand celebration

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Dec 27: The District Congress Committee, in association with Golmuri Block Congress, marked a historic milestone by celebrating the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s election as President of the Indian National Congress in 1924. The ceremony took place at Hindustan Mitra Mandal Chowk, 10 Number Basti, where Congress leaders and local residents paid their respects to Gandhi by garlanding his statue.

The event was presided over by District President Anand Bihari Dubey and conducted by Block President Atul Gupta. Chief Guest Ravindra Singh, Special Guests Dr. Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu and Ashok Chaudhary joined the proceedings, offering insightful addresses on the significance of the Belgaum session. This session, held on December 26, 1924, saw Gandhi take over the reins as Congress President, a pivotal moment in the nation’s freedom struggle.

Speakers recalled the historical highlights of the session, including the digging of the “Congress Well” for the delegates, which Gandhi praised for its cleanliness. They also paid tribute to leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Motilal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Sarojini Naidu, who participated in the session. Gandhi’s address, alongside cultural performances like “Vande Mataram” sung by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar and songs by young Gangubai Hangal, added to the reverence surrounding the event.

The Seva Dal’s role in maintaining sanitation and managing the crowd during the Belgaum session was highlighted, with Gandhi praising their dedication. The Congress leaders at the Jamshedpur celebration emphasized the importance of this session in shaping the course of India’s freedom struggle and the continuing relevance of Gandhi’s principles of unity, service, and cleanliness.

Prominent figures including Rakesh Tiwari, Sushila Pandey, Khagenchandra Mahato, and Geeta Singh joined the event, which was attended by many local Congressmen and residents. The centenary celebration served as a poignant reminder of Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring legacy and the spirit of selfless service that continues to guide the nation.