New Delhi, March 12 Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid their respects to Mahatma Gandhi and all the brave freedom fighters who participated in the historic "Dandi Satyagraha" march on Thursday.
Prime Minister Modi posted on social media platform 'X', saying, "The Dandi March began on this day in 1930. We respectfully remember all the great individuals involved."
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan also posted on 'X', saying, "The historic Dandi Satyagraha, launched on this day in 1930 under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhiji, marked a defining moment in India's freedom movement, inspiring a nationwide spirit of self-reliance through the ideals of Satya and Ahimsa. I pay homage to Bapu and all the brave freedom fighters who participated in this historic march. As we build an Atmanirbhar Bharat and strive towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, the spirit of self-reliance it inspired continues to guide our nation's journey."
The Salt March, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, Dandi March, and the Dandi Satyagraha, was an act of nonviolent civil disobedience in colonial India led by Mahatma Gandhi.
On March 12, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi embarked on a historic Salt March from the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to the village of Dandi in the state's coastal area to protest against the high salt tax imposed by the British. This significant march became known as the Dandi March or Salt March, also referred to as the Dandi Satyagraha. It was a 24-day march, characterized by non-violence, which is historically significant as it led to the mass Civil Disobedience Movement.
During that time, the British had prohibited Indians from collecting or selling salt. Indians were also forced to buy this staple ingredient from the British, who not only exercised a monopoly over its manufacture and sale but also levied a heavy salt tax. The Salt March marked the beginning of a mass resistance movement against British tyranny.
Upon reaching the seashore in Dandi, Mahatma Gandhi broke the law by producing salt. This later turned into a mass civil disobedience movement throughout India as millions broke salt laws by either making salt or buying illegal salt.
The Salt March began with around 80 people, but as more joined for the 390 km-long journey, it grew into a strong force of over 50,000.
The march gained national and international recognition and impressed the British with its non-violent nature. It received extensive media coverage and drew the world's attention to the Indian Independence Movement.
