CM inaugurates memorial of GR Deshpande

Belagavi: Chief minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the memorial of leading freedom fighter Gangadhar Rao Deshpande of Belagavi district, and unveiled his statue at Ramtirth Nagar on Thursday, on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of the National Congress Session 1924. Meanwhile, the CM inaugurated the photo exhibition gallery on the premises of the memorial.The memorial was constructed over an area of 15 guntas at a cost of Rs 1.6 crore. Centenary celebrations committee chairman HK Patil, honorary chairman Veerappa Moily, ministers Satish Jarkiholi, Byrathi Basavaraj, Shivaraj Tangadagi, and Dinesh Gundu Rao were present.Gangadhar Rao Deshpande, who was famous as the ‘Lion of Karnataka', was instrumental in Belagavi hosting the 1924 Congress session. Being one of the close associates of Mahatma Gandhi, he persuaded Gandhiji to chair the Congress session in Belagavi.Born into a rich family in Hudali village in 1871, Gangadhar Rao completed his high school education at Sardar's High School in Belagavi, and obtained his law degree from Pune Deccan College in Maharashtra. He passed away in 1960.Being one of the top leaders in the country, Gangadhar Rao formed Charakha Sangh in 1922 and Gandhi Seva Sangh in 1937 in Hudali. The firms established by him are still a source of employment for hundreds of people.Initially, Deshpande was a follower of Gopalkrishna Gokhale and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. After their demise, he came close to Mahatma Gandhi. Being one of the staunch followers of Mahatma Gandhi, Deshpande lived a simple life despite his family's wealth.Mahatma Gandhi stayed in Gangadhar Rao Deshpande's hometown Hudali for seven days, participating in the Gandhi Seva Sammelan in 1937.