When Nehru was stuck in heavy rain in Gadag district

Hubballi: Nargund and Ron taluks in Gadag district are among the worst flood-affected taluks in North Karnataka. But, it’s not new for people here. India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru , whose birth anniversary will be celebrated today, also faced nature's fury when he visited the district in 1931.

It’s described in a book ‘Swatantryada Sangramada Smrutigalu’ by historian Suryanath Kamath. Now, it finds mention in another upcoming book ‘Ron Darshana’ by Ravindranath Doddameti, grandson of freedom fighter Doddameti Andanappa.

Ravindranath, who stays in Hubballi, told TOI that his grandfather would recall how Nehru met Seva Dal leader NS Hardikar in Hubballi in December 1931. He was to attend a programme in Gadag that day and scheduled to board a train at 2.30pm to Bagalkot.

“When my grandfather and others invited him to our village Jakkali, Anant Rao Jalihal, Congress leader in Gadag, suggested he accept the invitation. State leaders Karnad Sadashiva Rao and Rangarao Diwakar accompanied Nehru and they assured they’d drop Nehru at Mallapur station. Another freedom fighter Padmacharya Gudi brought ‘Hoorana Kadubu’ (a sweet dish) and ghee for his lunch. Andanappa sent a few persons to gather people from surrounding villages. Other freedom fighters Seetaram Shastri, Grampurohit and Basetteppa Jakkali met Nehru who addressed the people,” he said.

He continued, “Nehru was stunned to so many people. He spoke for a long time but didn’t have time for lunch. The leaders left in three cars. As they reached Mallapur station, the train was leaving. Nehru and the state leaders ran to board the train, but they missed it. Jalihal and others decided to drop him at Bagalkot by car.”

Three cars were deployed to ferry Nehru and the other leaders but Benne Halla was full to the brim due to heavy rain. “The car was stuck in slush and all the leaders, including Nehru, pushed the cars to safety. A hungry Nehru had the sweet dish and residents of Yavagal people offered more food. All the leaders waited for the water level to reduce. Eventually, Nehru reached Bagalkot around 9pm,” said Ravindranath.