LUCKNOW – In a vibrant tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of resilience and self-reliance, a symbolic Dandi March was organized at Lucknow University under the aegis of Jan Bhavan, Uttar Pradesh. Inspired by the Honorable Governor and Chancellor, Smt. Anandiben Patel, the event sought to reconnect today’s youth with the Gandhian ideals of Satya (truth), Swadeshi (indigenous goods), and Swavalamban (self-reliance).
The Journey: From Jan Bhavan to Tagore Library
The commemorative Padyatra (foot march) commenced at 8:30 AM from Jan Bhavan, Lucknow. Participants marched through the city, reaching the Lucknow University campus by 9:40 AM.
The proceedings began with a solemn floral tribute at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in front of the Tagore Library at 9:45 AM. Dignitaries and students gathered to honor the Father of the Nation’s pivotal role in the Indian independence movement.
Voices of the Youth
The main program, held at the historic Malviya Hall, was conducted by Prof. Alka Pandey. Highlighting the relevance of the march in modern India, student speakers shared their insights:
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Anmol Goyal emphasized the significance of the Salt Satyagraha in the context of Viksit Bharat 2047, noting how the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 empowers students toward social responsibility.
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Manas Bajpai delivered a moving tribute titled “Shat-Shat Naman Hai Tumhe, He Parivartan Ke Prateek” (A hundred salutations to you, O symbol of change).
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Alina Waqar chronicled the arduous journey from Sabarmati to Dandi, illustrating how a single act of defiance evolved into a massive grassroots movement.Insights from Distinguished Guests
Key officials from the Governor’s office and the University shared historical perspectives:
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Dr. Pankaj L. Ajani (OSD, Jan Bhavan): Detailed the strategic roles of Sarojini Naidu and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in organizing the masses. He concluded with a poignant poem:
“I saw the hope of freedom in a pinch of salt… Gandhi walked from Sabarmati with silent feet, carrying the faith of millions in his heart.”
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Shri Ashok Desai (OSD to Governor): Noted that the Dandi March resulted in nearly 60,000 arrests and eventually led to the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, which secured vital concessions regarding salt laws.
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Dr. Sudhir M. Bobde (OSD, Addl. Secretary level): Revealed that Malviya Hall (formerly Bennett Hall) once hosted Mahatma Gandhi himself, who addressed students there to advocate for Swadeshi and national self-sufficiency.
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Prof. Arvind Mohan (Acting VC): Remarked that leaders like Gandhi appear once in centuries. Citing The Story of My Experiments with Truth, he stated that Gandhi’s path of non-violence remains the ultimate guide for a world currently mired in conflict.
A Collective Call for Nation Building
In his vote of thanks, Prof. Anoop Kumar Bhartiya (Director, Central Placement Cell) encapsulated the spirit of the movement:
“The hands of 80 people and the support of one—that is the true power of any great transformation.”
The event concluded with the National Anthem. It saw wide participation from dignitaries including Registrar Dr. Bhavana Mishra, Legal Advisor Shri Sunil Verma, and Shri Ajay Jain (CDO, Lucknow), alongside faculty members, staff from Jan Bhavan, and students from the K.D. Singh Babu Stadium.
The celebration served as a powerful reminder that the memories of the past continue to illuminate the path toward a “Developed India.”
