The Salt March, also called the Dandi March, took place from March 12 to April 6 in 1930. It was a crucial moment in India’s fight for independence from British control. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, the march represented various ways people pushed back against unfair British rules. It was an important part of the Indian independence movement.

1. Nonviolent Protest

The Salt March showed Gandhi’s idea of Satyagraha, which means fighting for what is right without using violence. Gandhi led thousands of followers on a 240-mile journey from Sabarmati Ashram to the seaside village of Dandi. This peaceful march challenged unjust laws, like the British Salt Act, which forced Indians to buy expensive British salt and banned them from making their own.

2. Mass Participation

Gandhi’s Salt March brought together many people in a powerful way:

• Starting Point: Around 78 people began the march with Gandhi, but their numbers grew to thousands by the time they reached Dandi.
• Nationwide Support: About 100,000 Indians joined different protests against the salt laws all over the country during this time.
• Variety of People: The march included men and women, farmers and laborers, plus people from higher social classes. This helped create unity among Indians in their fight against colonialism.

3. Global Attention

The Salt March was important not just in India but also around the world. It helped gain international support for India’s independence:

• News Coverage: Many newspapers around the globe covered the Salt March, with stories reaching places like the United States and Europe.
• Increased Awareness: More people around the world started noticing the unfair treatment faced by Indians, leading to sympathy and support in other countries.

4. Spark for Civil Disobedience

Gandhi’s peaceful rebellion was a key moment in India’s independence journey:

• Civil Disobedience Movement: After the Salt March, millions of people started breaking British laws on purpose as part of a larger movement.
• Arrests: More than 60,000 individuals were arrested for taking part in this movement, including Gandhi himself, who was taken into custody on May 5, 1930.

5. Economic Influence

The Salt March also highlighted the unfair economic policies of British rule in India:

• Salt Tax: Before the march, the British imposed high taxes on salt, making it hard for poor and middle-class people to afford. This became a major complaint.
• Boycotts: The march led to many people boycotting British goods and companies, with millions joining in. This action hurt British trade significantly.

In summary, Gandhi’s Salt March was a powerful act of protest against British rule. It combined nonviolent resistance, widespread participation, global awareness, civil disobedience, and economic action. This event is a key part of India’s story of independence, showing how smart strategies of protest can challenge unfair authority.