On 5th April 1930, Mahatma Gandhi delivered a seminal address at Dandi, marking a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence. His words echoed across the nation, resonating with the principles of peace, non-violence, and civil disobedience that defined the Indian freedom movement.
However, amidst the fervor of defiance against colonial rule, there emerged a surprising acknowledgment from Gandhi—a moment when he praised the British Raj. Given below is the Gandhi’s statement dated 5th April, 1930.
“When I left Sabarmati with my companions for this seaside hamlet of Dandi, I was not certain in my mind that we would be allowed to reach this place. Even while I was at Sabarmati there was a rumour that I might be arrested. I had thought that the Government might perhaps let my party come as far as Dandi, but not me certainly. If someone says that this betrays imperfect faith on my part, I shall not deny the charge. That I have reached here is in no small measure due to the power of peace and non-violence: that power is universally felt. The Government may, if it wishes, congratulate itself on acting as it has done, for it could have arrested every one of us. In saying that it did not have the courage to arrest this army of peace, we praise it. It felt ashamed to arrest such an army. He is a civilized man who feels ashamed to do anything which his neighbours would disapprove. The Government deserves to be congratulated on not arresting us, even if it desisted only from fear of world opinion.”
As Gandhi embarked on the journey from Sabarmati to the seaside hamlet of Dandi, uncertainty clouded his mind. He confessed that he wasn’t certain they would be allowed to reach their destination. The looming threat of arrest hung over him, with rumors circulating even before his departure. Despite these apprehensions, Gandhi remained steadfast in his commitment to the cause of Indian independence.
In his address at Dandi, Gandhi reflected on the power of peace and non-violence, attributing their success in reaching the destination to these principles. He acknowledged that while he had anticipated the government’s reluctance to let him proceed, the fact that they allowed the “army of peace” to reach Dandi was commendable. Gandhi’s words conveyed a sense of respect for the British Raj’s decision not to resort to force against their peaceful protest—a sentiment that may appear contradictory at first glance.
However, Gandhi’s praise of the British Raj in this context was not an endorsement of their rule or a sign of weakness on his part. Instead, it underscored the moral strength of non-violent resistance and highlighted the government’s reluctance to confront it openly. By refraining from arresting Gandhi and his followers, the British authorities inadvertently acknowledged the legitimacy of their cause and the effectiveness of their methods.
Gandhi’s acknowledgment of the government’s decision was a strategic move aimed at highlighting the moral high ground occupied by the Indian independence movement. It served to emphasize the contrast between the peaceful resistance of the freedom fighters and the potentially brutal response of the colonial administration. In doing so, Gandhi sought to win over public opinion, both domestically and internationally, to the cause of Indian independence.
Moreover, Gandhi’s praise of the British Raj reflected his belief in the innate goodness of humanity, even in the face of oppression. He argued that a civilized society should feel ashamed to resort to violence or repression, as it goes against the principles of decency and morality. By commending the government for its restraint, Gandhi appealed to the sense of humanity and conscience that he believed existed in all individuals, including those in positions of power.
The Dandi March itself was a masterstroke of non-violent resistance, symbolizing the defiance of an entire nation against unjust laws and colonial oppression. By marching to the sea to produce salt—a commodity monopolized by the British authorities—Gandhi and his followers challenged the legitimacy of British rule and inspired millions of Indians to join the struggle for independence.
In praising the British Raj for not arresting them, Gandhi also highlighted the power of international opinion in shaping the course of history. He understood that the eyes of the world were upon India, and he used this to his advantage by appealing to the conscience of the British rulers and the global community. The British government’s reluctance to suppress the non-violent movement in the face of widespread public sympathy demonstrated the changing dynamics of colonial rule and the growing pressure for decolonization.
The significance of Gandhi’s words at Dandi extends beyond the immediate context of the march itself. They encapsulate the essence of his philosophy of non-violence and his unwavering commitment to truth and justice. Gandhi believed that even in the darkest moments of oppression, there existed the potential for redemption and reconciliation through peaceful means.
In conclusion, the Dandi March stands as a testament to the power of peaceful resistance and the moral force of non-violence in the face of tyranny. Gandhi’s praise of the British Raj for their restraint in not arresting him and his followers was not an endorsement of colonial rule but a strategic acknowledgment of the effectiveness of their methods. It served to highlight the moral superiority of the Indian independence movement and to galvanize support for the cause both at home and abroad. The legacy of the Dandi March continues to inspire struggles for justice and freedom around the world, reminding us of the enduring power of peaceful protest in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.