Dandi March (March 12-April 6, 1930)

On March 2, 1930, Gandhi informed the viceroy of his plan of action. According to this plan (few realised its significance when it was first announced), Gandhi, along with a band of seventy-eight members of Sabarmati Ashram, was to march

from his headquarters in Ahmedabad through the villages of Gujarat for 240 miles. On reaching the coast at Dandi, the salt law was to be violated by collecting salt from the beach. Even before the proposed march began, thousands thronged to the ashram. Gandhi gave the following directions

for future action.

● Wherever possible civil disobedience of the salt law should be started.

● Foreign liquor and cloth shops can be picketed.

● We can refuse to pay taxes if we have the requisite strength.

● Lawyers can give up practice.

● Public can boycott law courts by refraining from litigation.

● Government servants can resign from their posts.

● All these should be subject to one condition—truth and non-violence as means to attain swaraj should be faithfully adhered to.

● Local leaders should be obeyed after Gandhi’s arrest.

The historic march, marking the launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement, began on March 12, and Gandhi broke the salt law by picking up a lump of salt at Dandi on April 6. The violation of the law was seen as a symbol of the Indian people’s resolve not to live under British-made laws and therefore under British rule. Gandhi openly asked the people to make salt from sea water in their homes and violate the salt law. The march, its progress and its impact on the people was well covered by newspapers. In Gujarat, 300 village officials resigned in answer to Gandhi’s appeal. Congress workers engaged themselves in grassroot level organisational tasks.