Question

“The Salt march was the movement that brought Gandhiji to the world attention.” Analyse the statement.

Hint:

Remember: The Salt March was a simple yet powerful act that transformed Indian resistance into a global cause through non-violent civil disobedience.

Answer 1

The Salt March (Dandi March)

The Salt March, also known as the Dandi March, began on 12 March 1930 under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. It was a non-violent protest against the British monopoly on salt and a symbolic defiance of British authority.

• Symbol of Civil Disobedience: Gandhi walked 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, where he made salt from seawater in defiance of British laws.
• Mass Participation: Thousands joined Gandhi en route, and the act inspired many Indians to break colonial salt laws, expanding civil disobedience nationwide.
• International Coverage: International newspapers and media covered the march extensively, portraying it as a unique form of protest. Gandhi’s commitment to non-violence impressed many around the world.
• Global Acclaim: The Salt March significantly enhanced Gandhi’s global reputation as a leader of moral authority and highlighted the Indian freedom struggle on the world stage.
• British Response: The government’s brutal response, including arrests and repression, drew further global criticism of British policies in India.

Thus, the Salt March was a turning point that brought Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian independence movement into global consciousness.