Answer: Mahatma Ghandi
Some extra relevant information:
The first salt march was initiated by Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian National Congress, in 1930. This historic event played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. The salt march was a nonviolent protest against the unjust British salt tax, which heavily burdened the Indian population.
Gandhi, along with 78 satyagrahis (followers of his philosophy of nonviolent resistance), set out on a 240-mile journey from Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat to the coastal village of Dandi. The objective was to produce salt from the seawater and defy the British monopoly on salt production and distribution.
The march lasted for 24 days, and along the way, thousands of Indians joined Gandhi’s group. The participants walked for about 10 miles each day, holding meetings, spreading awareness about the salt tax, and encouraging Indians to boycott British-made salt. Gandhi’s inspiring leadership and peaceful approach attracted global attention and support for the Indian independence movement.
On April 6, 1930, Gandhi and the satyagrahis reached Dandi. Upon their arrival, Gandhi famously picked up a lump of salt, symbolizing the defiance of the salt tax. This act of civil disobedience sparked a wave of protests across India, leading to mass acts of nonviolent resistance against British rule.
The salt march demonstrated the power of nonviolent protest and civil disobedience as a means of challenging oppressive regimes. It brought international attention to the plight of Indians under British rule and strengthened the Indian independence movement. Ultimately, the salt march played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for freedom, inspiring future generations of activists and leaders around the world.