The Dandi March, led by Mahatma Gandhi on March 12, 1930, was more than just an act of defiance against British rule—it became a turning point in India's freedom struggle. It was also the first time that women's participation in the movement turned into a mass force, shaping the future of gender equality in independent India. Inspired by Gandhi’s call, women from diverse backgrounds stepped forward, challenging both colonial oppression and societal norms. Their courage and leadership paved the way for universal female suffrage, equal rights in the Constitution, and a broader role for women in public life. Here are some women who played a crucial role in the Salt Satyagraha:
1. Sarojini Naidu
Born: February 13, 1879, Hyderabad, India
Sarojini Naidu was a poet, political activist, and the first woman president of the Indian National Congress, and one of the most prominent figures in the Salt Satyagraha. She led the salt protests at the Dharasana Salt Works, taking charge after Gandhi’s arrest. She was brutally beaten by British officers but continued to lead the movement with unwavering resolve. Her eloquence and powerful speeches inspired countless Indians to join the freedom struggle. After independence, she became the first female governor of an Indian state.
2. Mithuben Petit
Born: April 11, 1892, Bombay (now Mumbai), India
Born into a wealthy Parsi industrialist family, Mithuben Petit rejected her privileged upbringing to dedicate herself to Gandhi’s cause. She was instrumental in mobilising women in Gujarat for the Salt March and was among those who accompanied Gandhi to Dandi. A firm believer in social reform, she worked extensively for women’s education, the upliftment of Dalits, and the abolition of child marriage. She later played a key role in founding several charitable institutions focused on women's welfare.
3. Durgabai Deshmukh
Born: July 15, 1909, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India
A fierce nationalist from a young age, Durgabai Deshmukh was actively involved in the Salt Satyagraha in Madras (now Chennai). She organised large groups of women to defy the salt laws and played a crucial role in sustaining the movement in South India. A lawyer by profession, she later became a key figure in independent India, advocating for social welfare policies, adult education, and the establishment of the Central Social Welfare Board. Her contributions helped shape post-independence India's social landscape.
4. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
Born: April 3, 1903, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay was one of the first women to be arrested for breaking the salt laws. When Gandhi encouraged women to take part in the movement, she fearlessly led protests, making salt and selling it openly despite the risks. She was also among the first women to run for legislative office in pre-independence India. After independence, she became a cultural icon, reviving Indian handicrafts, theatre, and folk art. Her efforts helped establish institutions like the National School of Drama and the Crafts Council of India.
5. Margaret Cousins
Born: November 7, 1878, Boyle, Ireland
An Irish suffragist and social reformer, Margaret Cousins played a crucial role in the Indian women’s movement. She co-founded the Women’s Indian Association in 1917, advocating for women's rights and universal suffrage. Though not of Indian origin, she actively participated in the Salt Satyagraha, lending her voice to the cause of civil disobedience. Her contributions were instrumental in securing voting rights for Indian women in 1927, well before India gained independence.
6. Matangini Hazra
Born: October 19, 1870, Tamluk, West Bengal, India
An elderly freedom fighter from Bengal, Matangini Hazra joined the Salt Satyagraha despite her advanced age. She became deeply involved in the Quit India Movement later on, leading processions and defying British orders. During one such protest in 1942, she was shot multiple times by British soldiers but continued marching with the Indian flag until she succumbed to her injuries. She remains a symbol of resilience and courage, inspiring generations of women to stand up against injustice.
7. Usha Mehta
Born: March 25, 1920, Surat, Gujarat, India
Usha Mehta was just a child when she participated in the Salt Satyagraha, marching alongside Gandhi at the age of ten. She later became an influential figure in the Indian independence movement, especially during the Quit India Movement in 1942. Her most notable contribution was the establishment of the underground Congress Radio, which broadcasted uncensored news to inspire revolutionaries. She dedicated her life to Gandhian principles, continuing to work for social and political change until her passing in 2000.
The participation of these women in the Dandi March asserted their rightful place in the fight for freedom. Their courage led to a broader movement for gender equality, influencing constitutional guarantees for women’s rights, universal suffrage, and employment protections. Today, as we remember the Dandi March, we also honour these women who braved oppression to pave the way for a more equal India.
(Image Credit: mkgandhi.org, inc.in, hindupost.in, thebetterindia.com)