Context
On the occasion of the 94th anniversary of the Dandi March, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated the Sabarmati Ashram Redevelopment Project in Ahmedabad. Valued at Rs 1,200 crore, this project aims to refurbish, preserve, and reconstruct the historic Sabarmati Ashram, established by Mahatma Gandhi.
Relevance:
GS I: History
Dimensions of the Article:
- Historical Significance of Sabarmati Ashram
- Overview of the Dandi March
Historical Significance of Sabarmati Ashram
- Founded in 1917 by Mahatma Gandhi on the western bank of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad.
- Gandhi established five settlements in his lifetime, including Sabarmati Ashram, which served as a base for his socio-political activities.
- It was the launching point for seminal movements like the Dandi March in 1930, a significant event in India’s struggle for independence.
- Other movements initiated from Sabarmati include Champaran Satyagraha (1917), Kheda Satyagraha (1918), and the Non-Cooperation movement (1920).
- The ashram was managed by the Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust (SAPMT).
- Gandhi’s principles of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and communal living were embodied in the design and construction of the ashram.
- Vinoba Bhave, a prominent disciple of Gandhi, lived in a cottage called “Vinoba Kutir” within the ashram.
- Constructed with local materials and traditional techniques, the ashram reflects Gandhi’s commitment to sustainability and harmony with nature.
- It remains a pilgrimage site for admirers of Gandhian philosophy, offering insights into his life, teachings, and principles, and stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and his pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle.
Overview of the Dandi March
- Historical Context: Salt production in India, an ancient tradition, became commercialized under British rule, leading to the imposition of a salt tax, which symbolized colonial exploitation.
- Gandhi’s Response: Mahatma Gandhi recognized the salt tax as oppressive and utilized it as a focal point for non-violent protest against British rule.
- Declaration: On March 2, 1930, Gandhi wrote a letter to Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India, informing him of his intention to break the salt law through civil disobedience.
- Initiation of the Dandi March: Commencing from the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad on March 12, 1930, the Dandi March was led by Gandhi himself.
- Route: Spanning 24 days, the march traversed four districts and passed through 48 villages, symbolizing the widespread support for the movement.
- Symbolic Act: On April 6, 1930, at the shores of Dandi, Gandhi symbolically broke the salt law by picking up a handful of salt, inaugurating the civil disobedience movement against the British salt monopoly.
- Significance of the Date: Gandhi deliberately chose April 6 as the start date to coincide with the beginning of National Week, aligning with the historical context of previous national movements against British laws.
- Legacy: The Dandi March remains a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence, showcasing Gandhi’s strategic use of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience to challenge colonial authority.
-Source: Indian Express
