Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flag off a Padyatra (foot march) from Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat to re-enact the famous Dandi March carried out by Mahatma Gandhi. It also marked the start of 'Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav', an initiative by the central government to mark 75 years of India's Independence.
The government said that the Yatra will be undertaken by 81 marchers from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad to Dandi in Navsari, a journey of about 388 kms. The Yatra will conclude on April 5. Union Minister Prahlad Patel will lead the first lap of 75 kilometres of the Yatra.
PM Modi on Friday took to Twitter saying, “Today’s #AmritMahotsav programme begins from Sabarmati Ashram, from where the Dandi March began. The March had a key role in furthering a spirit of pride and Aatmanirbharta among India’s people. Going #VocalForLocal is a wonderful tribute to Bapu and our great freedom fighters.”
PM Modi in his tweet on Thursday said, “12th March is a special day in India’s glorious history. On that day in 1930, the iconic Dandi March led by Mahatma Gandhi began. Tomorrow, from Sabarmati Ashram we will commence Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav, to mark 75 years since Independence.”
Notably, Mahatma Gandhi started the Dandi March in 1930 by declaring the 'Salt Satyagraha' on March 12 and the Yatra lasted till April 5. The government will also present a series of events from Friday to celebrate 75 years of India's Independence on August 15, 2022. According to reports, the events will be celebrated with the spirit of public participation. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Governor Acharya Devvrat, BJP leaders and students of Gandhi-founded Gujarat Vidyapith, among others were present at the event.
THE DANDI MARCH
The Dandi March was conducted under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi to oppose the salt law launched by British rule. Under this salt law, people of India were restricted from producing or selling salt. The British not only trained monopoly over the manufacture of salt but also enforced a tax on it. However, Mahatma Gandhi broke the law by producing the salt at Dandi seashore along with thousands of Indians. During the March, Gandhiji was also arrested for the illegal production of salt on May 4,1930.
The Salt Satyagraha saw people boycotting British clothes and goods. People also started to oppose other laws as well including land revenue, Chowkidar tax among others.
