Under the British Salt Act 1882, any person manufacturing salt could be punished with imprisonment up to six months. Salt manufacturing was a government monopoly!
The town of Dandi (in the state of Gujarat) was an insignificant hamlet in 1930. An area of costal back-waters, salt was the only product produced there. Gandhi wrote to the Viceroy Lord Irwin beforehand that he was proceeding from Sabarmati Ashram with a band of workers to disregard the provision of the Salt Act. He performed the breach of Act by picking up lump of salty mud and boiling it. Fifteen ounces of salt was extracted which was later auctioned for a huge amount in Ahmedabad.
75 Years Ago: Gandhi Marching to Dandi with Volunteers
This symbolic Satyagraha stirred the whole nation. There was a massive civil disobedience movement. "In all humility but in perfect truth, I claim that if we attain our end through non-violence, India will have delivered a message for the world" -- Gandhiji declared. How this movement led to manufacture of salt in the cities and smaller towns in which thousands of people participated in costal areas of India and courted arrest makes an interesting reading. The Government was forced to withdraw the act.
In recognition of this great historical event, Marches are conducted by politicians of India now and then. This year being the diamond jubilee, there was lot of hype. Mahatma walked 241 miles from Sabarmati to Dandi along with the volunteers. These days they fly from nearest port, motor and then walk few yards to the Salt March Memorial where Gandhiji prepared salt symbolically.
The village of Dandi (population 1,226) has not improved or prospered materially since. But there is a good school managed by a rector who believes in Gandhian principles. All children of the village attend school. Residents belonging to different caste and community live in harmony. It is proudly claimed by the villagers that not a single dispute is taken to court for the last 50 years!
See Also:
• Story of Gandhi's Stick
• Artist Mukta Venkatesh with Jyotsna
• Satyagrahis Make Salt
