Thu Dec 26 09:04:21 UTC 2024: ## Belagavi Honors Gandhian Freedom Fighter with New Memorial Hall

**Belagavi, Karnataka, December 26, 2024** – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated a new memorial hall dedicated to Gangadhar Rao Deshpande, a prominent Gandhian and freedom fighter, in Belagavi today. The inauguration was part of the ongoing ‘Gandhi Bharata’ celebrations.

The ₹1.58 crore memorial, located at Ramatirtha Nagar, includes a hall, a bust of Deshpande, a photo gallery, and a garden, built on approximately 15 guntas of land. Deshpande is celebrated for his role in organizing the 1924 Belgaum Congress session chaired by Mahatma Gandhi. He was a strong advocate for a linguistically unified Karnataka and served as AICC general secretary in the 1920s.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lauded Deshpande’s contributions to the freedom struggle, referring to him as the “Lion of Karnataka” for his unwavering opposition to British rule. He highlighted Deshpande’s commitment to khadi and village industries and his simple lifestyle despite his wealthy background.

Numerous dignitaries attended the inauguration, including ministers, MLAs, and officials. The memorial serves as a lasting tribute to Deshpande’s legacy and his significant role in India’s independence movement.

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