On April 6, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi lifted a fistful of salt at Dandi, declaring it an act of defiance that would “shake the foundations of the British Empire.” This symbolic protest against Britain’s salt tax became one of the most defining moments of India’s freedom struggle. To commemorate this historic movement, the National Salt Satyagraha Memorial was inaugurated at Dandi, Gujarat.

Here are 5 fascinating facts about the Dandi March and the National Salt Satyagraha Memoria:

1. Diverse group of 80 marchers, spanning ages 16 to 61

Gandhi began the Dandi March from Sabarmati Ashram with 80 satyagrahis, including 16-year-old Vittal Liladhar Thakkar, the youngest participant, and Gandhi himself, 61 - the oldest. 

2. Gandhi issued a warning before starting

Before embarking on the march, Gandhi sent a letter to Viceroy Lord Irwin, dated March 2, 1930, stating that if his plea failed to move the government, he would proceed to break the salt law around the 11th of the month. 

3. A quiet hero: a Dairy Department worker

Among the lesser-known marchers was 25-year-old Thevarthundiyil Titus, a diploma-holder from the Indian Dairy Department and a worker with the Cow Service Association, who joined Gandhi’s crusade. 

4. Housewives marched - and their hand-made salt fetched ₹501

In Bombay, housewives led by Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay defied police to march and make salt. The first packet was auctioned off for ₹501, signaling both defiance and public resonance. 

5. Destination extended due to momentum

Gandhi initially planned to stop near Borsad, Gujarat - but as public support surged along the way, he extended the march all the way to Dandi.