March 12th: Today in 1930 Mahatma Gandhi started his Salt March to Dandi, the non-violent protest march against the British salt tax. This protest is largely viewed as one of the major tipping points leading to Indian Independence. The salt tax was viewed as particularly onerous as anyone living on the coast could freely get salt, yet to do so was a crime punishable by prison. The march lasted 23 days and led to mass arrests and deaths as the army fired on some protesters. The news spread around the world and helped pressure the English towards eventually abandoning their empire. Ghandi was one successful revolutionary that I wish more people would emulate, rather than the less successful terrorists that seem to inspire so many.

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