The only Annual Session of the Congress over which Mahatma Gandhi presided was held at..............

The correct answer is - Belgaum

Key Points

• Mahatma Gandhi presided over only one session of the Indian National Congress during his lifetime.
• The session was held in 1924 at Belgaum, located in present-day Karnataka.
• This session was significant because:
  • It was the only time Gandhi formally held the position of Congress President.
  • It marked a crucial phase in the freedom movement, particularly after the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922 due to the Chauri Chaura incident.
• The session emphasized unity within the Congress and the importance of continuing the freedom struggle through non-violence and constructive programs.

Additional Information

• Indian National Congress (INC)
  • Founded in 1885, it played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle.
  • Prominent leaders of the INC included Dadabhai Naoroji, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose.
  • The INC sessions were platforms to discuss and strategize the path toward achieving independence.
• Non-Cooperation Movement
  • Launched by Gandhi in 1920, it sought to resist British rule through non-violent means.
  • The movement was withdrawn in 1922 following the violent Chauri Chaura incident, where protesters clashed with police.
• Significance of the 1924 Belgaum Session
  • It was a turning point in consolidating the Congress party after a period of internal disagreements.
  • Gandhi focused on promoting Khadi and village industries as part of his constructive program for self-reliance.