The relevance of a voluntary movement in India and abroad, inspired by the Gandhian framework, is crucial for establishing a non-violent world order

It had been 13 days since the march for Salt Satyagraha had already begun under the leadership of a 61-year-old Mahatma Gandhi from Sabarmati. Deciding to embark on a 240-mile foot march to Dandi to break salt at Dandi, he involved the entire country in this act of defiance.

On the morning of March 25, the Satyagrahis (thousands of volunteers) started from Samni for Tralsa. While going to Tralsa, Gandhiji and his companions walked through water and deep mud. Here, they were given a warm welcome. Kasturba Gandhi, his wife, and Kakasaheb Kalelkar came here to meet Gandhiji. The Salt March had gathered momentum. It was on the previous night (March 24) at Samni village where Gandhiji emphasised the breach of the Salt Act, and wearing and making khadi.

Dandi March and volunteerism

The spirit of volunteerism and nonviolent protest has been a crucial aspect of India's history. The Gandhian era saw this in full glory during the Salt Satyagraha, which showcased the power of nonviolent protest in achieving social and political change through nonviolent protest, even when Satyagrahis were met with severest brutality by the British authorities.

One of the significant aspects of the movement was the participation of volunteers — ranging from students, farmers, labourers and women, who participated in the protest despite the risk of arrest, imprisonment and violence from the British. This (Gandhian) concept of volunteerism is based on the idea of selfless service or Seva, which involves giving one's time, skills and resources for the greater good of society without expecting anything in return. The movement sparked a wave of protests and civil disobedience and led to the release of thousands of political prisoners. The volunteers not only ensured the success of the protest, but helped collect funds, arrange food and accommodation for the marchers and provide medical aid to those injured during the protest.

Beyond the protest, the volunteers continued to work towards building a sustainable economy based on cottage industries and promoting the use of khadi (hand-spun cloth), which the Mahatma had time and again emphasised upon.

Gandhiji had felt the nation’s pulse. He knew of the springing of emotions and excitement and was cautious too. On March 28, after reaching Ramya, Mahatma Gandhi said, “I feel it is difficult to leave any of the districts of Gujarat. I feel like staying in every district and starting manufacturing salt here, but we cannot do everything we like. We do whatever is appropriate, therefore, we should reach Dandi.”

Impact on India & the world

The spirit of volunteerism in the Salt Satyagraha serves as an inspiration for people around the world and highlights the power of collective action towards a common goal. The principles of nonviolent protest that were championed by the Mahatma continue to be used in various movements worldwide, from the Civil Rights Movement in the US to the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar.

The voluntary movement inspired by Gandhian leadership has been instrumental in bringing about social and political change in India. Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence, self-reliance and service to others has inspired generations of Indians to work towards building a better society. Gandhi's emphasis on self-reliance and service to others also played a crucial role in inspiring the voluntary movement in India. Gandhi believed that every individual had a responsibility towards society and that voluntary action was a way of fulfilling that responsibility.

Gandhi's influence on the voluntary movement in India can be seen in various fields. Many organisations and individuals have been inspired by Gandhi's philosophy of service and have worked towards building a better society through voluntaryism.

One of the most successful examples of a voluntary movement is the Chipko Movement, which was inspired by Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence and environmental conservation. Started in the 1970s, it was aimed at protecting forests and promoting sustainable development. It inspired similar movements across India and around the world as it helped raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and the role of voluntary action.

Another example is Barefoot College, a voluntary organisation established by Bunker Roy in 1972, which has been successful in providing education and vocational training to rural communities, particularly women. Similarly, the Aravind Eye Care System in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, another voluntary organisation, has been successful in providing high-quality eye care to millions of people.

Though there have been limitations and criticisms of many voluntary organisations in India for their lack of transparency and accountability and sustainability, it cannot be denied that the relevance of the voluntary movement in India and the world is crucial for the establishment of a non-violent world order with service to others, and collective action as its key principles.

This is important from a world perspective for peaceful and sustainable social change. One such example is the Black Lives Matter Movement in the US, which has drawn inspiration from the Gandhian framework, with many activists emphasising the importance of nonviolence and community service.

Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence, self-reliance and service to others has inspired generations of Indians and people across the world to work towards building a better society through voluntary action. This power of collective action towards a common goal continues.

(The writer is Programme Executive, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti)