Goa Seva Dal Commemorates 95th Anniversary of Dandi March with Patriotic Fervor

Panaji:

On 12th March 2025, the Seva Dal, Goa, organized a solemn event at Mahatma Gandhi Circle, Old Goa, to mark the 95th anniversary of the historic Dandi March. The event commemorated Mahatma Gandhi’s iconic 386 km march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi in 1930, a defining moment in India’s independence struggle that challenged the British-imposed salt tax through non-violent resistance.

The program, chaired by Mr. Socorro Menezes, Vice President of the North Goa District Committee, commenced with the patriotic song Vande Mataram and a warm welcome address by Mr. Rajan Ghate, Chief of Seva Dal, Goa.

In his inaugural speech, Mr. M.K. Shaikh, Senior Vice President of GPCC, reflected on the significance of the Dandi March in uniting the masses and inspiring a spirit of resistance. Mr. Girish Chodankar, a permanent member of the Central Working Committee of the Indian National Congress and former GPCC President, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and unity in the present-day context.

Adv. Mr. Carlos Fereira also addressed the gathering, shedding light on the enduring legacy of the Dandi March in the fight for justice and equality. A notable moment of the event was the felicitation of Mr. Sharad Chopdekar, who had participated in the Dandi March, honoring his invaluable contributions.

Mr. Vishal Volvoikar, Block President of the Cumbharjua Block Congress Committee, concluded the program with a vote of thanks. A poignant tribute followed as attendees observed a moment of silence at Mahatma Gandhi’s statue, offering flower petals and rock salt, symbolizing the salt protest. The event concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.

Prominent attendees included Mrs. Pratiksha Khalap, Mahila Congress President; GPCC Secretaries Mr. Vijay Bhike, Mr. Archit Naik, and Mr. Pradip Naik; North District Congress President Mr. Virender Shirodkar; South District Congress President Mr. Savio D’silva; Margao Congress Block Convenor Mr. Savio Coutinho; and various block presidents and office bearers from Congress and its frontal organizations.

The event successfully honored Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy while reinforcing the ideals of justice, equality, non-violence, and truth, reminding everyone of the continued relevance of these values in modern society.